What are the functions of the parts of a flower?

Name of Flower Part Description Function

Anther the part of a stamen that contains the pollen Tip of the stamen that produces pollen
containing sperm.
Filament the slender part of a stamen that supports the Slender, stalk-like part of the stamen that
anther supports the anther.
Ovary the part of the pistil which holds the ovule(s) Swollen base of pistil that contains ovules.
and is located above or below or at the point Where the ovules develop.
of connection with the base of the petals and
sepals
Ovule the plant structure that develops into a seed Eggs that develop into seeds after they are
when fertilized. fertilized.
Petals Modified leaves that surround reproductive Colorful leaflike parts that attract insects and
parts of flowers other animals for pollination.
Pistil Pistil, the female reproductive part of a
flower.
Sepals sepals typically function as protection for the Leaflike parts that enclose flower during bud
flower in bud, and often as support for the stage.
petals when in bloom
Stamen the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a
flower
Stigma The stigma is part of the female reproductive Sticky part on top of the style designed to
part of a flower, the pistil. The stigma is on top catch the pollen.
of the style. The stigma can be either hairy or
sticky, both to trap pollen
Style One of the structural units of a pistil, Stalk-like part of the pistil that connects the
representing a modified, ovule-bearing leaf. stigma to the ovary.
Fruit Development Images

Cherry Blossom Orange Blossom

Journal Questions

1. Which parts of the flowers are important in pollination? Describe their role in the process.
The parts of the flower that are important in pollination are the petals, the stigma, the stamen, and the anther. The petals are brightly
colored and attract insects and animals. The stigma is sticky to hold the pollen. The stamen supports the anther, and the anther is the
part of the flower that contains the pollen.

2. Which parts of the flower are involved in fertilization and fruit development?
The parts of the flower involved in fertilization and fruit development are the anther, filament, ovary, ovule, petals, pistil, sepals,
stamen, stigma, and style.
3. Many types of flowers produce fruits that are fragrant and sweet tasting. Describe how these characteristics of fruits may be important
for dispersal.
Sweet tasting fruit encourages animals to eat them. When the animals eat the fruit, they digest and poop out the seeds. Defecated
seeds disperse the plant, making the plant able to grow in a larger geographic area.

4. Many types of flowers are brightly colored, fragrant, and produce sweet nectar. Describe how these characteristics affect the processes
of pollination.
Bright colors, pleasant fragrances, and sweet nectar are all attractive to pollinators like bees and birds. By attracting pollinators, flowers
spread their genetic material over a greater area.

5. Most species of plants produce flowers containing both stamen and pistils. Why is producing flowers with both male and female
reproductive structures an advantage for the plant?
Male and female reproductive structures allow a plant to self-fertilize. This allows the plant to reproduce when pollinators are not
around to spread the genetic material contained in the pollen.