Plant Reproduction and Germination

Flashcards covering key terms and definitions related to plant reproduction and seed germination.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen to the stigma.

Self-pollination

The transfer of pollen from the same plant to its own stigma.

Cross-pollination

The transfer of pollen from one plant to the stigma of a different plant of the same species.

Gametes

The male and female reproductive cells; pollen (male) and ovule (female).

Dehiscence

The process by which the walls of the pollen sac curl away exposing pollen grains.

Tapetum

A layer of cells that provide nutrients to developing pollen grains.

Germination

The process through which a seed becomes a photosynthesising plant, independent of food stores.

Endosperm nucleus

A triploid nucleus formed when a male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei.

Embryo sac

Structure that contains the female gamete and develops from the ovule after fertilization.

Hydrolase enzymes

Enzymes produced by a pollen grain on a compatible stigma that facilitate pollen tube formation.