What is pollination?
The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigma
Pollination is essential for fertilization to occur.
What is fertilization?
The uniting of a sperm cell from a pollen grain with an egg cell in the ovary
This process leads to the formation of a seed.
Without pollination, what cannot happen?
The egg cell could never be fertilized
Pollination is crucial for the reproductive cycle of a plant.
Without fertilization, what cannot form?
A seed
Fertilization is necessary for seed formation.
Pollen from what type of plant is needed for fertilization?
The same kind of plant
For example, daisy pollen cannot fertilize a sunflower.
What happens when a plant’s pollen is mature?
The anther opens, exposing the pollen grains
This is the beginning of the pollination process.
What role do insects play in pollination?
They aid in pollination by carrying pollen to other plants
Examples include bees, moths, ants, bats, and some birds.
What attracts pollinators to flowers?
- Color and shape of petals
- Scent of the flower’s nectar
Nectar is a sweet liquid usually stored in the base of the blossom.
What is self-pollination?
Being pollinated by its own pollen
Many plants, like alfalfa, undergo self-pollination.
What is cross-pollination?
The transfer of pollen from one flower to another
This occurs when pollinators move pollen between different flowers.
What happens to alfalfa blossoms after pollination?
They quickly lose their scent
This encourages bees to seek fresh blossoms.
What begins to grow once a pollen grain attaches to a stigma?
A pollen tube
This is a crucial step in the fertilization process.
True or false: Most pollen allergies come from wind-borne pollen grains.
TRUE
Plants with bright, showy flowers are usually pollinated by insects and rarely cause allergies.
What are the three main parts of a seed?
Embryo, endosperm (stored food), and seed coat
Tiny shoot that becomes the stem and leaves
Plumule
Small root that develops into the root system
Radicle
Surrounds and protects the embryo and endosperm until the seed can grow
Seed coat
Structures designed for food absorption and storage; seed leaves
Cotyledons
which is the beginning of a new plant
Embryo
The cotyledons absorb stored food from the?
Endosperm
Plants with one cotyledon
Monocots
Plants with two cotyledons
Dicots
The ripened ovary of a flower, whether it is edible or not
Fruit
Purpose of a fruit (protects maturing seeds and helps spread them)
Seed dispersal
