Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

A complete set of vocabulary flashcards covering the reproductive structures and processes of angiosperms based on the lecture transcript.

Gametes

Specialised sex cells made by special sex organs called gonads.

Fertilisation

The process by which the male and female gametes join or fuse to form a single cell called a zygote.

Zygote

A single cell formed by the fusion of male and female gametes that will grow into a new organism.

Angiosperms

The term used to describe flowering plants that reproduce by means of seeds produced in flowers.

Anther

The structure in the flower that produces the male gamete, also known as the sperm cell or pollen.

Ovary

The female organ where ovules form and the female gamete is produced; after fertilisation, it becomes the flesh of the fruit.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from an anther to a stigma, enabling fertilisation and reproduction.

Hermaphroditic

A term describing flowers that make both male and female gametes.

Stamen

The male part of the flower, consisting of the anther and the filament.

Filament

The stalk that supports the anther.

Carpel

The female part of the flower, consisting of the stigma, style, ovary, and ovule.

Stigma

The sticky tip of the carpel that receives pollen during pollination.

Style

A narrow section connecting the stigma to the ovary, through which the pollen tube travels.

Ovule

A structure located inside the ovary that contains the female gamete and turns into a seed when fertilised.

Corolla

A ring of modified leaves, often brightly coloured, which is made up of petals.

Petals

Modified leaves displayed to attract pollinators when the flower blooms.

Embryo

The offspring formed from a zygote that develops inside the ovule and grows into a new plant after germination.

Germinate

The process by which a seed begins to grow into a new plant.

Pollinators

Agents, such as insects or the wind, that carry pollen from the anther to the stigma.