In this IBDP Biology blog post, this is a part one of the different processes in which plant can reproduce through three main ways, let's get to it!
Plant Sexual Reproduction
Female Gametes: Ovules in the Ovaries of the flower
Male Gametes: Pollen grains produced by Anters
Plant Reproduction depends on 3 different processes:
- Pollination
- Fertilzation
- Seed Dispersal
Pollination
Pollination: Transfer of pollen containing male gametes from an anther to a stigma
- Self pollination: Pollen from the anther from the same plant falls upon its own stigma
This method decreases genetic variation
- Cross-pollination: Pollen is carried from the anther of one plant to the stigma of a different plant
of the same species
This method is preffered as it increases genetic variation within the second generation
Flowering plants can rely on wind or water for pollenation but most flowers use animals (pollenators):
- Birds
- Bats
- Insects such as Bees
Mutualism: Close association between two organisms where both orgamisms benefit from the relationship: animal rewarded with food (nectar), the plant with successful pollenation
That's all for part 1!
References:
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fletstalkscience.ca%2Feducational-resources%2Fbackgrounders%2Fplant-reproduction&psig=AOvVaw0AMjtnl9PHTaUUJB77sQ9h&ust=1627269681151000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCIiZ0JWi_fECFQAAAAAdAAAAABAD
- https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Feschooltoday.com%2Flearn%2Fwhat-is-pollination%2F&psig=AOvVaw0wEEuDWWmng_I8T1_wzfll&ust=1627269756128000&source=images&cd=vfe&ved=0CAsQjRxqFwoTCOij3Lai_fECFQAAAAAdAAAAABAp
Drafted by Venetia (Biology)