reproduction in plants & humans

Asexual reproduction

Process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one parent, without the fusion of gametes

Gametes

Reproductive cells containing half the number of chromosomes as the normal body cell, a.k.a. sex cells

Sexual reproduction

Process involving the fusion of the male and female gametes to form a zygote, resulting in the production of genetically dissimilar offspring

Fertilisation

Process by which female gamete fuses with a male gamete to form a zygote

Pollination

Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma

Self-pollination

Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of same flower or of a different flower on the same plant

Cross-pollination

Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of a flower in another plant of the same species

Endosperm

Nutritive tissue which surrounds the developing embryo in a seed (from a flowering plant)

Gonads

Reproductive organs in which gametes are produced

Diploid

A nucleus, cell or organism with two sets of chromosomes present, one from the female parent and the other from the male parent. (2n)

Haploid

A nucleus, cell or organism with a single set of unpaired chromosomes (n)

Puberty

Stage of human growth and development in which a person becomes physically mature

Menopause

Stage of a female's life in which eggs production and menstrual cycle stops

Implantation

Embedding of a fertilised egg into the wall of the uterus where it will continue its development

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)

Sexually transmitted disease caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which acts by destroying the immune system

Menstruation

Stage of menstrual cycle when uterine lining breaks down, causing blood and broken lining to flow out through the vagina as a bloody discharge

Ovulation

The release of a mature ovum from the ovary