3. Vocabulary Flashcards
Sporophyll
specialized leaves that play a crucial role in the reproductive processes of certain plants by producing spores
Whorl
circular arrangement of plant organs that emerge from the same node on a stem. This structural organization plays a significant role in the plant’s growth and reproductive success, contributing to efficient light capture and effective floral arrangements
Receptacle
a vital component of a flower that serves as the base from which all other floral parts arise. Its structural and functional significance contributes to the flower’s overall reproductive success and efficiency in attracting pollinators
Pedicel
the stalk that supports a single flower or a flower cluster, playing a crucial role in providing structural support, facilitating nutrient transport, and optimizing the flower’s position for effective pollination
Peduncle
the main stalk that supports an entire flower cluster (inflorescence) or a single flower in certain plants. It connects the flowering part to the main stem or branch of the plant
Sepals
the protective, leaf-like outer structures of a flower that collectively form the calyx. They play a vital role in safeguarding the developing flower bud and often persist after blooming, sometimes contributing to photosynthesis
Calyx
the protective outer layer of a flower, made up of sepals that enclose the bud before it blooms. It plays a vital role in safeguarding the developing flower and, in some cases, provides structural support and photosynthesis
Corolla
the whorl of petals in a flower, forming its colorful and often fragrant part. Its primary function is to attract pollinators, enhancing the plant’s reproductive success
Perianth
the collective term for the outer parts of a flower, comprising both the calyx (sepals) and corolla (petals). It serves as the non-reproductive structure of the flower, typically enclosing and protecting the reproductive organs and helping attract pollinators
Stamens
male reproductive organs of a flower. They produce and release pollen, which contains the male gametes necessary for fertilization. The collection of stamens in a flower is known as the androecium
Pistils/Carpels
the female reproductive part of a flower. It is centrally located and typically consists of three main parts: the stigma, style, and ovary. The pistil is responsible for receiving pollen, facilitating fertilization, and housing the ovules, which develop into seeds after fertilization
Androecium
collective term for all the stamens (male reproductive organs) in a flower. It is the male reproductive whorl of a flower, typically surrounding the central pistil or gynoecium (female reproductive part). The androecium’s primary role is to produce and release pollen, facilitating the fertilization process.
Filament
the slender stalk-like part of a stamen, which supports the anther, positioning it to maximize pollen dispersal. Together, the filament and anther make up the stamen, the male reproductive structure in a flower
Anther
the pollen-producing part of a stamen, which is the male reproductive organ of a flower. It is typically located at the top of the filament and plays a crucial role in the reproductive process of flowering plants
Sporangium (sporangia, plural)
a spore-producing structure found in plants, fungi, and algae, essential for reproduction and dispersal. It varies in shape and size across different organisms and plays a vital role in the life cycle by generating and releasing spores that can develop into new individuals
Microsporangia
specialized structures in certain plants that produce and contain microspores, which develop into male gametophytes (specifically pollen grains) during the reproductive process
Microspore
haploid spores produced in the male reproductive structures of seed and some vascular plants. They are essential for plant reproduction, as they develop into pollen grains that carry male gametes for fertilization. The formation and dispersal of microspores are crucial steps in the reproductive cycle of flowering plants and gymnosperms.
Megasporangia
specialized structures in plants that produce megaspores, which are essential for female gametophyte formation. They play a crucial role in plant reproduction by facilitating the development and protection of megaspores until fertilization occurs
Megaspore
haploid spores produced in the female reproductive structures of plants, critical for the formation of female gametophytes. They are essential for plant reproduction, as they develop into structures that will participate in fertilization, ensuring the continuation of plant species
Spores
specialized reproductive cells that can develop into a new organism without the need for fertilization. Spores serve as a means of asexual reproduction
Gametophyte
a haploid stage in the life cycle of plants and some algae that produces gametes. It is essential for sexual reproduction, facilitating the formation of the diploid sporophyte after fertilization
Gynoecium
the female reproductive part of a flower, composed of one or more carpels that contain ovules. It is crucial for sexual reproduction in flowering plants, facilitating the process of fertilization and the subsequent development of seeds.
Stigma
receptive surface of the gynoecium (female reproductive part) of a flower where pollen grains land and germinate during the process of pollination. It is a crucial component of the carpel, along with the style and ovary.