Reproduction in Plants & Humans

These flashcards summarize key concepts regarding reproduction in plants and humans, including asexual and sexual reproduction, gametes, fertilization, and sexually transmitted infections.

What is asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction is a process resulting in genetically identical offspring from one parent, involving no sex cells or fertilization.

What process do bacteria use for asexual reproduction?

Bacteria reproduce asexually by a process called binary fission, producing exact genetic copies of themselves.

What are bulbs and tubers in plants?

Bulbs and tubers are food storage organs that can produce new plants asexually, which are genetically identical to the parent.

What is sexual reproduction?

Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes to form a zygote, resulting in genetically different offspring.

What distinguishes haploid and diploid cells?

Haploid cells (gametes) contain half the number of chromosomes (23 in humans), while diploid cells (zygotes) contain a full set (46 chromosomes or 23 pairs).

How does fertilization occur in flowering plants?

Fertilization occurs when a pollen nucleus fuses with an ovule nucleus after pollination, forming a zygote.

What is pollination?

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma in flowering plants.

What factors are required for seed germination?

Three factors required for successful germination are water, oxygen, and optimal temperature.

What occurs during the menstrual cycle?

The menstrual cycle involves changes in the ovaries and uterus, with ovulation occurring about halfway through the cycle and menstruation resulting from the breakdown of the uterine lining if fertilization does not occur.

What is HIV and how does it affect the immune system?

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is an STI that infects the immune system, reducing the body's ability to fight infections and can lead to AIDS.