Reproduction In Plants

Sexual reproduction requires genetic material (DNADNA) from two parents. The parent plants have male and female sex cells, called gametes. The genetic material from the male and female gametes combines to produce offspring. We call this process fertilization. The product of sexual reproduction are seeds.

Seeds produced through fertilization contain genetic material from both parents. As a result, the offspring are not genetically identical to either of the parent plants. This genetic diversity can help them survive if the environment changes.

Flowering plants reproduce sexually through a process called pollination. Flowers contain male sex organs called stamens and female sex organs called pistils. The anther is the part of the stamen that contains pollen. Pollen contains the male gametes. Pollen must be moved to a part of the pistil called the stigma for reproduction to take place .

The outermost parts of the flower are green structures called sepals. They protect the flower before it opens. Inside the sepals are the petals. These are usually colourful. Petals on flowers are actually modified leaves. Within the petals are the stamens. Each stamen contains a filament topped by pollen-producing cells. The innermost part of the flower is the carpel. The carpel contains the ovary. This is where the eggs, or ovules, are located. The pollen from another flower must enter the ovary and fertilize an ovule in order for a seed to start developing.