SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS

In flowering plants, sexual reproduction takes place in the sexual organs of the flower which are: Male part anther Female part ovary The flower is responsible for sexual reproduction in plants and it will resulted in the development of seeds and fruits. Flower vary in : Size Shape Color Pattern Number in floral parts

In order to develop into a new plant, a flower has to undergo these five processes: Pollination Fertilization Seed and fruit formation Dispersal of seeds and fruit Seed germination

A complete flower has four major structures

a) Petals (collectively called corolla) Attracts insects to pollinate flower b) Filament Holds the anther to release the pollen grains c) Style To hold the stigma d)Sepals (collectively called calyx) Encloses and protects the inner part of the flower e) Ovum Has a female gamete inside g) Ovary Contains one or more ova e) Anther Produces pollen grains

f) Stigma Receives the pollen grains

The stamens (male reproductive part)

It consists of :
Anther
Make pollen grains When ripe, it splits open releasing pollen grains Inside the polleng ains are the male gametes(male sex cells.

Filament
Hold the anther in a suitable position to release the pollens

The Carpels
It consists of 3 parts
Stigma
A sticky part at the tip of the style Receives pollens

Style
A stalk attached to the ovary

Ovary
A swollen base containing one or more tiny egg structure called ovules. Inside the ovules is the female gamete

POLLINATION
It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma

2 types of pollination : a)Self pollination

b) Cross pollination

In cross pollination, pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of a flower in another plant of the same species

In self pollination, pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower in the same plant

Cross pollination is necessary: 1) To produce more variation of offspring (greater genetic variability) with valuable qualities obtained from both parents.

2)To produce more viable (successful) seed. It will increase the chances of survival of the species during changes in environment.