Biology Notes on Plant Reproduction and Structures

Differences Between Vascular and Nonvascular Reproduction

• Nonvascular Reproduction

  • Occurs through spores.
  • Requires water for fertilization to take place.

• Vascular Reproduction

  • Involves the use of seeds.
  • Has specialized tissues for transporting nutrients and water, enabling survival in diverse environments.

Types of Asexual Reproduction

• Fission:

  • A single parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
  • Example: Bacterial reproduction.

• Budding:

  • A new organism develops as a bud or outgrowth from the parent organism.
  • The bud detaches to become an independent individual.
  • Example: Yeast reproduction.

• Fragmentation:

  • An organism breaks into two or more fragments.
  • Each fragment can develop into a new individual.
  • Example: Starfish regeneration.

• Parthenogenesis:

  • An embryo develops from an unfertilized egg cell.
  • Example: Certain species of reptiles and insects.

Differences Between Sprout and Seedling

• Sprout:

  • The very beginning stage of growth from a seed.
  • Lacks mature structures.

• Seedling:

  • A sprout that has developed roots and leaves.

Characteristics of Plants

• A defining characteristic of living organisms classified as plants is their ability to make their own food through photosynthesis.

Seed Dispersal Mechanisms

• Wind: Seeds are carried away by wind currents.
• Water: Seeds float and are distributed via water bodies.
• Animals: Animals consume fruits and excrete the seeds at different locations.

Purpose of Seeds

• The primary purpose is reproduction.
• Seeds provide nutrients to the developing embryo as it grows.

Function of Fruit in Angiosperm Seeds

• Seed Dispersal: Fruit aids in the dispersal of seeds.
• Protection: It protects the seeds inside until they are ready to germinate.
• Attraction: Fruits attract animals to facilitate seed spreading, enhancing reproduction.

Photosynthesis and Energy Needs

• Required Energy: Light or solar energy is essential for plants to produce food through photosynthesis.

Plant Organelle Involved in Food Production

• The organelle responsible for making food in plants is the chloroplast. This is where photosynthesis occurs.

Pollination Structures in Flowers

• Stigma and Anther: Elevated positions help in effective pollination.
• Height Comparison: The pistil, which includes the stigma and ovule base, is taller than the stamen.

Identifying Monocots versus Dicots

• Monocots:
  • Have 1 cotyledon (seed leaf).
  • Exhibit parallel vein patterns in leaves.
• Dicots:
  • Have 2 cotyledons.
  • Display net-like or branched vein patterns in leaves.