Reproduction in Animals and Plants

These flashcards cover vocabulary and key concepts related to the reproduction in animals and plants, based on the lecture notes.

Reproduction

The biological process by which new individual organisms are produced from their parents.

Asexual Reproduction

A mode of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes and results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.

Binary Fission

A type of asexual reproduction where a single organism splits into two equal parts, each becoming a new organism.

Budding

A type of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops from an outgrowth or bud on the parent organism.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction in which an egg develops into a new individual without fertilization.

Zygote

The initial cell formed when a new organism is created by fertilization.

Gametes

Reproductive cells that unite during fertilization to form a new organism.

Sperm

The male reproductive cell involved in sexual reproduction.

Egg

The female reproductive cell involved in sexual reproduction.

Internal Fertilization

A reproductive process in which the sperm fertilizes the egg inside the female's body.

External Fertilization

A reproductive process where fertilization occurs outside the female's body.

Mammalian Development

The stages of development that occur from fertilization until birth in mammals.

Gametophyte Stage

The stage in the life cycle of nonvascular plants that produces gametes.

Sporophyte Stage

The stage in the life cycle of plants that produces spores.

Alternation of Generations

A reproductive cycle that includes both a haploid (gamete-producing) stage and a diploid (spore-producing) stage.

Hermaphroditism

A condition where an organism has both male and female reproductive organs.

Viviparity

A reproductive strategy where eggs develop inside the female body, with young receiving nourishment directly from the mother.

Oviparity

A reproductive strategy where fertilized eggs are deposited outside the female's body.

Ovoviviparity

A reproductive strategy where fertilized eggs develop inside the mother until they hatch.

Corpus Luteum

A temporary hormone-secreting structure formed in an ovary after an ovum has been discharged.

Estrogen

A hormone that regulates the development of female secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive functions.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterus for the implantation of a fertilized egg.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

A hormone that stimulates the growth of ovarian follicles in females.

Luteinizing Hormone (LH)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and development of the corpus luteum.

Hypothalamus

A brain region that controls the endocrine system and regulates hormonal functions.

Pituitary Gland

The 'master gland' of the endocrine system that regulates various hormones.

Leydig Cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone in response to luteinizing hormone.

Sertoli Cells

Cells that nurture developing sperm and are influenced by follicle-stimulating hormone.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly series of changes in the female reproductive system that prepare the body for possible pregnancy.

Fertilization

The union of sperm and egg to form a zygote.

Cleavage

The rapid cell division of the zygote forming a solid ball of cells.

Blastulation

The process by which the morula forms the blastocyst, a hollow ball of cells.

Implantation

The attachment of the blastocyst to the lining of the uterus.

Neurulation

The formation of the neural tube, which develops into the central nervous system.

Organogenesis

The process during which the organs begin to develop from the three germ layers.

Fetal Development

The stage of development from the ninth week of pregnancy until birth.

Pollination

The transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part.

Fertilization (in plants)

The fusion of pollen with an ovule to form a zygote.

Seed

A plant's reproductive structure that can develop into a new plant.

Fruit

The mature ovary of a flowering plant that contains seeds.

Sori

Clusters of sporangia found on the undersides of fern fronds, which produce spores.

Spores

Reproductive units in nonvascular plants that can develop into a new organism.

Rhizome

An underground stem that grows horizontally and can produce new plants.

Tuber

An underground storage organ modified from stems, capable of producing new plants.

Bulb

A storage organ that contains a short stem surrounded by fleshy leaves or scales.

Vegetative Propagation

A form of asexual reproduction where new plants are produced from vegetative parts.

Fragmentation

A method of asexual reproduction where a piece of the parent plant breaks off to form a new individual.

Antheridium

The male reproductive structure in nonvascular plants that produces sperm.

Archegonium

The female reproductive structure in nonvascular plants that contains the egg.

Endometrium

The inner lining of the uterus that thickens during the menstrual cycle.

Menopause

The cessation of the menstrual cycle and reproductive capability in females as they age.

Ovulation

The release of an egg from the ovary during the menstrual cycle.

Cortical Granules

Vesicles in the egg that help prevent polyspermy after fertilization.

Zona Pellucida

A glycoprotein layer surrounding the plasma membrane of an egg that is important for fertilization.

Epididymis

A duct behind the testis that stores and matures sperm.

Vas deferens

The duct that conveys sperm from the epididymis to the ejaculatory duct.

Testosterone

The primary male sex hormone responsible for the development of male characteristics.

Inhibin

A hormone produced by Sertoli cells that selectively inhibits FSH secretion from the pituitary.

Acrosome

A cap-like structure on the sperm head that contains enzymes used to penetrate the egg.

Protonema

A structure formed from germinated spores in nonvascular plants that develops into gametophytes.

Stamen

The male reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an anther and filament.

Pistil

The female reproductive organ of a flower, made up of stigma, style, and ovary.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Ovarian Axis (HPO axis)

The regulatory system involved in controlling female reproductive hormones.

Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal Axis (HPG axis)

The regulatory system involved in controlling male reproductive hormones.

Gallbladder

An organ that stores bile, not directly related to reproduction but mentioned in anatomical discussions.

Ovary

The female reproductive organ that produces eggs and hormones.

Fallopian Tubes

The tubes through which eggs travel from the ovaries to the uterus.

Cervix

The lower part of the uterus that opens into the vagina.

Myometrium

The muscular middle layer of the uterine wall.