Feralis Ch 2 Flashcards
2 criteria in determining the living vs non-living
- Independent metabolism (Viruses lack this and are not considered alive)
- Ability to self-replicate
Species name
Italicized, consists of a genus name and a species name.
Taxonomic ranks, from most general to specific
Kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, species.
Taxonomic levels for humans
Domain: Eukarya Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Subphylum: Vertebrata Class: Mammalia Order: Primata Family: Hominidae Genus: Homo Species: Sapiens
Systematics
Study of evolutionary relationships among organisms
Eukaryote Vs. Prokaryote
The two major divisions in living organisms.
Eukaryotic chromosomes contain long, linear DNA with histones that is enclosed in a nucleus. They have specialized organelles to isolate metabolic activities. The flagella and cilia microtubules are arranged in a 9+2 array.
Prokaryotic cells have a single chromosome that is short. They have circular DNA that usually does not have histones. The exception are archaea that have histones. Prokaryotes may contain plasmids. The flagella consist of chains of the protein flagellin instead of the 9 + 2 microtubule arrangement seen in eukaryotic cells. Uses proton motive force to spin and give locomotion in bacteria (electrical gradient), not ATP!
Autotrophs
Manufacture their own organic materials. They use light (photo) or chemicals (chemo) such as H2S, NH3, NO, and NO3
Heterotrophs
Obtain energy by consuming organic substances produced by autotrophs.
Parasites and saprobes (saprophytes)
Parasites
A heterotroph. Obtain energy from living tissues of hosts
Saprobes (saprophytes)
A heterotroph. Obtain
energy and feed from dead, decaying matter which contribute to organic decay. Decomposers are slightly different in that they break down dead and decaying matter
Obligate aerobes
must have O2 to live
Obligate anaerobes
Require absence of O2 to live; they cannot live with the presence of oxygen. They are unable to detoxify some products of oxygen metabolism, e.g. H2O2 would be toxic to them
Facultative anaerobe
Grows in the presence of O2, but can switch to anaerobic metabolism when O2 is absent. Prefer to grow in the presence of oxygen if possible because respiration is more efficient and produces more ATP.
Domain Archaea
Prokaryotes, non-pathogenic. Cell walls contain various polysaccharides, but they do not contain peptidoglycan as seen in bacteria. Cell walls also contain cellulose or chitin. Phospholipid membrane contains glycerol, but the glycerol is an isomer of the one used in bacteria and eukaryotes. Hydrocarbon chain in is branched with ether-linkages
Archaea and eukaryote similarities
- DNA of both archaea and eukaryotes are associated with histones, unlike bacterial DNA
- Ribosome activity is not inhibited by antibiotics streptomycin and chloramphenicol, unlike bacteria
Methanogens
A group of archaea. These are obligate anaerobes that
produce CH4 as a by-product of obtaining energy from H2 to fix CO2
Extremophiles
A group of archaea. They live in extreme environments. Consists of Halophiles (salt lover), Thermophiles (heat lover), and Other extremophiles
Halophiles
An extremophile, which is a group of archaea. They live in high salt concentration environments. Most are aerobic and heterotrophic; others are anaerobic and photosynthetic with the pigment bacteriorhodopsin
Thermophiles
An extremophile, which is a group of archaea. Are sulfur-based chemoautotrophs that live in very hot places. Can produce bright colours.
Other extremophiles
An extremophile, which is a group of archaea. Live in high acid/base/pressure environments
Domain Bacteria (Five Kingdoms)
Cell walls that have peptidoglycan, which is a polymer of monosaccharides with amino acids. DNA is not associated with histones, and ribosome activity is inhibited by antibiotics like streptomycin and chloramphenicol
Classification of bacteria
- Mode of nutrition/how they metabolize resources
- Ability to produce endospores (resistant bodies that contain DNA and small amounts of cytoplasm surrounded by a durable wall)
- Means of motility - flagella, corkscrew motion, or gliding through slime material
- Shapes - cocci (spherical), bacilli (rod- shaped), spirilla/spirochetes (spirals)
- Peptidoglycan cell wall - gram-positive bacteria have thick peptidoglycan cell walls. Gram-negative bacteria have thin peptidoglycan covered with lipopolysaccharides. Peptidoglycan contains amino sugars
i. Teichoic acids - these acids on the cell walls of bacterium are used as recognition and binding sites by bacterial viruses that cause infections. Teichoic acids also provide cell wall rigidity and are only found on gram-positive bacteria! Teichoic acids are covalently attached to the peptidoglycan layer
Common groups of bacteria
Cyanobacteria, Chemosynthetic, Nitrogen-fixing, Spirochetes
Cyanobacteria
A common group of bacteria. They are
photosynthetic and contain an accessory pigment called phycobilins. Some have specialized cells called heterocysts that produce nitrogen-fixing enzymes; These enzymes convert fixed inorganic nitrogen gas into NH3 that can be used to make amino acids and nucleotides. Cyanobacteria are known as blue-green algae and are not related to the other eukaryotic algae groups. They are the oldest known fossils and can rapidly grow in aquatic environments, turning the water green or blue-green
Chemosynthetic
A common group of bacteria. These bacteria are autotrophs. Some are nitrifying bacteria, which are able to convert ammonia to nitrate
Nitrogen-fixing
A common group of bacteria. These bacteria are heterotrophs that fix N2. They live in the nodules of plants, and this is a form of mutualism because the bacteria provides useable nitrogen for the plant, while the plant gives the bacteria a home and fixed carbon to utilize
Spirochetes
A common group of bacteria. These are coiled bacteria that move with a corkscrew motion. There is internal flagella between cell wall layers
Kingdom Monera
DAT Pro-Tip: Some classifications use the Kingdom Monera, rather than using domains, for archaea and bacteria.
Domain Eukarya (4 Kingdoms)
Kingdoms are protista, fungi, plantae, animalia
Kingdom Protista
Domain Eukarya. This is an artificial kingdom used mainly for convenience and is poorly understood. Features shared by two or more groups may represent convergent evolution, and most protists are unicellular. They are generally classified by means of locomotion, and all protists live in moist environments.
- Algaelike
- Protozoa
- Fungus-like
Algaelike (plant-like)
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. These protists all obtain energy by photosynthesis. All have chlorophyll a, and some have accessory pigments. Mainly categorized by the form of carbohydrate used to store energy, the number of flagella, and the makeup of the cell wall
i. euglenoids
ii. dinoflagellates
iii. diatoms
iv. brown algae
v. rhodophyta
vi. chlorophyta
Euglenoids
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under algaelike (plant-like).
Have 1-3 flagella at apical end. Instead of cellulose cell wall, euglenoids have thin, protein strips called pellicles that wrap over cell membranes. They are heterotrophic in the absence of light, and some have eyespots that permit phototaxis. They live in fresh water. They lack cell walls and are highly motile, so they are arguably animal-like too
Dinoflagellates
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under algaelike (plant-like).
Have 2 flagella. One flagellum is posterior, while the second flagellum is transverse and rests encircling the mid-groove perpendicular to the first flagellum. Some are bioluminescent. Others produce nerve toxin that concentrates in filter-feeding shellfish, which can cause illness to humans when eaten. Dinoflagellates are responsible for the algal bloom known as red tide: high concentrations of algae that can lead to toxin buildup, depletion of dissolved oxygen, and other harmful effects
Diatoms
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under algaelike (plant-like).
Have tests (shells) that fit together like a box with a lid. They also contain SiO2 (silica)
Brown algae
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under algaelike (plant-like).
Are multicellular and flagellated sperm cells. They look like giant seaweed
Rhodophyta
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under algaelike (plant-like).
Are red algae and have red accessory pigments called phycobilins. They are multicellular and their gametes do not have flagella
Chlorophyta
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under algaelike (plant-like).
Are green algae and have both chlorophyll a and b. Have cellulose in cell walls, and they store energy in the form of starch. Some species have isogamous gametes (both sperm and egg are equal in size and motile), some are anisogamous (sperm and egg differ in size), and others can be oogamous (large egg cell remains with the parent and is fertilized by small, motile sperm). There is a trend from unicellular organisms (Chlamydomonas) towards multi-cellular colonies (Gonium, Pandorina, Volvox). A lineage of Chlorophytes called charophytes are believed to be the ancestor of plants. Spirogyra are a green algae as well
Protozoa (animal-like)
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. These protists are heterotrophs. They consume living cells or dead organic matter, and are unicellular eukaryotes.
i. rhizopoda
ii. foraminifera
iii. apicomplexans
iv. ciliates
v. amoebas
Rhizopoda
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under protozoa (animal-like).
Are amoebas that move by extensions of their cell body called pseudopodia. They encircle their food using phagocytosis.
Foraminifera
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under protozoa (animal-like).
aka forams, have tests (shells) usually made of calcium carbonate. Sediments of foraminifera indicate oil deposits
Apicomplexans
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under protozoa (animal-like).
Are parasites of animals. They have an apical complex (complex of organelles located at an end of the cell) and no physical motility. They form spores which are dispersed by hosts that complete their life cycle. Malaria is caused by a sporozoan
Ciliates
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under protozoa (animal-like).
Use cilia for moving and other functions. They have specialized structures: mouths, pores, contractile vacuoles [H2O balance], two kinds of nuclei (large macronucleus and several small nuclei). They are the most complex of all cells. An example of a ciliate is the paramecium.
Amoebas
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under protozoa (animal-like).
Are a genus of protozoa, and are shapeless and unicellular. They move via pseudopods
Fungus-like protists
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Resemble fungi and form filaments/spore-beating bodies like fungi do
i. Cellular slime molds
ii. Plasmodial slime molds
iii. Oomycota
Cellular slime molds
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under fungus-like protists.
Have fungus-like and protozoa-like characteristics. The spores germinate into amoebas which feed on bacteria. When no food is available, amoebas aggregate into a single unit slug. The individual cells of the slug mobilize into a stalk with a capsule at the top to release spores which germinate and repeat the cycle. Their stimulus for aggregation is cAMP secretion, which is secreted by the amoebas that first experience food deprivation
Plasmodial slime molds
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under fungus-like protists.
Grow as a single, spreading mass (plasmodium) that feeds on decaying vegetation. When there is no food or desiccation occurs, stalks ‘bearing spore capsules’ form and ‘haploid spores’ released from the capsules germinate into haploid amoeboid/flagellated cells. These cells fuse to form diploid cells and grow into plasmodium but are not mutualistic with others.
What is the difference between plasmodial and cellular slime molds? Both have a stalk and release haploid spores which haploid amoeba cells emerge from. In plasmodial slime molds, the amoeboid cells fuse and form a diploid zygote. The zygotes’ nuclei divide but not the cytoplasm, giving a large multinucleate feeding stage; this is the plasmodium stage – not to be confused with genus Plasmodium of malaria. When conditions become harsh, the plasmodium erects a stalk with fruiting bodies called
sporangia. Inside the sporangia, cells go through meiosis and haploid spores are released. In cellular slime molds, the amoeboid cells feed on bacterium on their own, and reproduce asexually via mitosis. They can reproduce sexually and form a zygote, but the zygote just ends up going through meiosis and releasing new haploid amoeba cells anyway. When conditions get harsh, the individual haploid cells aggregate but do not fuse, forming the slug-like aggregate of many haploid cells. It migrates, stops, forms stalk with asexual fruiting body, and haploid spores get released
Oomycota
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Protista. Under fungus-like protists.
Are water molds, mildews, and white rusts. They are either parasites or saprobes, which receives nutrition from dead and decaying organic matter. Forms filaments called hyphae, which secrete enzymes that digest surrounding substances like fungi do. Hyphae lacks septa (cross wall) which is present in true fungi that partition filaments into compartments. Thus, they are coenocytic because they lack septa and contain many nuclei within a single cell. The cell walls are made of cellulose rather than the chitin that is seen in true fungi
Kingdom Fungi
Domain Eukarya. Fungi grow as filaments called hyphae, and mycelium is a mass of hyphae. Cell walls contain chitin (N- containing polysaccharide). Some fungi have septum which divide filaments into compartments containing a single nucleus. Fungi without septa are coenocytic, meaning they are multi-nucleate. Fungi are eukaryotic heterotrophs. They secrete digestive enzymes and then absorb the products of digestion. Fungi can reproduce sexually or asexually. They can also alternate their diploid/haploid stages, but the haploid stage generally predominates in the life cycle of most fungi. Fungi are generally immotile, and can attack living or dead matter. They are more similar to human cells than bacterial cells. Fungi are generally classified into divisions based on the type of sexual spores they produce; if there is no sexual phase, they are called ‘imperfect fungi’. Yeast is a broad class of unicellular fungi, so not all fungi are multicellular. The main purpose of fungi is decomposition and to break down lots of biological waste. However, some fungi can be parasitic. These parasitic fungi have hyphae called haustoria that can penetrate the host.
- Stages of fungi sexual reproduction
- Means of asexual reproduction
- Six fungus groups
- Miscellaneous fungal genus
Stages of fungi sexual reproduction
Fungi are primarily haploid but form temporary diploid structures for sexual reproduction. Steps are plasmogamy, karyogamy, and meiosis.
Plasmogamy
Step 1/3 of fungi sexual reproduction.
Fusing of cytoplasm of cells from 2 different fungal strains to produce a single cell without fusing of the nuclei. The resulting cell has a pair of haploid nuclei, one from each strain and is now called a dikaryon. Dikaryotic hypha is hypha containing dikaryon
Karyogamy
Step 2/3 of fungi sexual reproduction.
Fusing of 2 haploid nuclei of a dikaryon to form a single diploid nucleus
Meiosis
Step 3/3 of fungi sexual reproduction.
Meiosis of diploid nucleus restores haploid condition. The daughter cells develop into haploid spores which germinate into haploid hyphae (has 1 fungal strain) and then merge into dikaryons to repeat the cycle
Means of asexual reproduction
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. There are a few methods of fungi asexual reproduction which include fragmentation (breaking up hyphae), budding (small hyphae outgrowth), and asexual spores, further described as two types:
i. Sporangiospores
ii. Conidia
Sporangiospores
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. Asexual spore type. Spores produced in sac-like capsules called sporangia that are each borne on a stalk called a sporangiophore
Conidia
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. Asexual spore type. A type of asexual spore formed at the tips of specialized hyphae and are not enclosed inside sacs. Hyphae bearing conidia are called conidiophores
Six fungus groups
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi.
Group names with the suffix –mycota denote a division. Group names with the suffix –mycete denote classes. Both suffixes are used interchangeably.
i. Zygomycota
ii. Glomeromycota
iii. Ascomycota
iv. Basidomycota
v. Deuteromycota
vi. Lichens
Zygomycota
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. One of six fungus groups.
They lack septa except the filaments bordering reproductive filaments. They reproduce sexually by fusion of hyphae from different strains, followed by plasmogamy, karyogamy, and meiosis. Haploid zygospores are produced, then germinate into new hyphae (e.g. bread molds). They reproduce asexually via sporangia
Glomeromycota
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. One of six fungus groups.
These fungi lack septa and do not produce zygospores. They form mutualistic associations with roots of plants, and this relationship is called a mycorrhiza. In this relationship, plants provide carbohydrates, and the fungus increases the ability of the plant to absorb nutrients, especially phosphorus
Ascomycota
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. One of six fungus groups.
These fungi have septa and reproduce sexually by producing haploid ascospores. After plasmogamy of hyphae from different strains occurs, dikaryotic hypha produces more filaments by mitosis. Karyogamy and meiosis occurs in terminal hyphal which leads to 4 haploid cells, and then mitosis leads to producing 8 haploid ascospores in a sac called an ascus. The ascus can be located within an ascocarp. Ascocarps are cup-shaped fruiting bodies. The spores release and germinate into hyphae, and the cycle repeats
Basidiomycota
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. One of six fungus groups.
They have septa and reproduce sexually by producing haploid basidiospores. They go through plasmogamy and mitosis, which leads to the creation of a fruiting body called the basidiocarp such as mushrooms. Karyogamy occurs in terminal hyphal cells called basidia, followed by meiosis to produce 4 haploid basidiospores. They can reproduce asexually, and less commonly via conidia
Deuteromycota
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. One of six fungus groups.
They are imperfect fungi and an artificial group because they have no known sexual reproductive cycle. Penicillium produces penicillin, which is an antibiotic that disrupts bacteria’s ability to synthesize its cell wall
Lichens
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. One of six fungus groups.
Are symbiotic associations between fungi and algae or cyanobacteria. The fungi receives carbohydrates produced by the algae or cyanobacteria via photosynthesis. The fungi can also provide nitrogen if the algae is nitrogen-fixing. The fungus, usually ascomycete, provides water and protection from the environment and UV light for the algae or cyanobacteria. The fungi can also produce toxic chemicals to protect against grazers
Miscellaneous Fungal Genus
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi.
i. Rhizopus
ii. Candida
iii. Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Rhizopus
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. Under miscellaneous fungal genus
A fungal pathogen that
is involved with food spoilage. It is an obligate parasite because it depends on its host for survival. Rhizopus stolonifer is commonly known as the black bread mold, and is also a type of Zygomycota
Candida
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. Under miscellaneous fungal genus
Is involved in infections of mucous membranes
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Fungi. Under miscellaneous fungal genus
A type of yeast that is involved in fermenting sugars to alcohol
Kingdom Plantae
Domain Eukarya
- Adaptations for survival on land
- Major seedless plant divisions
- Seeded vascular plant divisions
Adaptations for survival on land
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae.
i. dominant diploid generation
ii. cuticle
iii. vascular system
iv. sperm dispersla
v. anthrophyta
vi. seasonal variations
Dominant diploid generation
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under adaptations for survival on land.
The dominant generation in plants is the diploid sporophyte generation except in primitive bryophytes which include mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. A diploid organism provides 2 copies of DNA that protects plants against genetic damage that they were more susceptible to once out of the water
Cuticle
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under adaptations for survival on land.
A waxy covering that reduces desiccation (drying up/ water loss)
Vascular system
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under adaptations for survival on land.
Having a vascular system reduces the plant’s dependency on water, meaning the cells no longer need to be close to water. This led to the formation of specialized tissues: true leaves (centers for photosynthesis), true stems (supports the leaves), true roots (acquires water/anchors plant). Two groups of vascular tissues that exist within plants evolved: xylem (transports water) and phloem (transports sugar)
Sperm dispersal
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under adaptations for survival on land.
In primitive plant divisions, they use flagellated sperm which requires water to swim to eggs. In advanced plant divisions such as the coniferophyta and anthophyta, the sperm is packaged as pollen and dispersed with wind
Anthrophyta
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under adaptations for survival on land.
A division of plants otherwise known as angiosperms or flowering plants. They have their gametophytes enclosed and protected inside an ovary
Seasonal variations
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under adaptations for survival on land.
In coniferophyta and anthophyta, they express seasonal variations in response to the availability of water and light. Some are deciduous, meaning they shed their leaves to prevent water loss through slow- growing seasons. Others like desert plants will germinate, grow, flower, and produce seeds rapidly in brief periods of rain
Major seedless plant divisions
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae.
All plant divisions, including the seeded plants, are vascular except for the bryophytes. Vascular plants are called tracheophytes and have true roots, leaves, and stems. Tracheophytes also have germination of antheridium and archegonium that will produce diploid zygotes that become a sporophyte, which is also the dominant generation
i. Bryophytes
ii. Lycophyta
iii. Pterophyta
Bryophytes
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under major seedless plant divisions.
This division includes the mosses, liverworts, and hornworts. Gametes are produced in gametangia (protective structures) on gametophytes. They have a haploid dominant stage in their life cycle. The antheridium is the male gametangium which produces flagellated sperm that swim through water. The archegonium is the female gametangium which produces eggs. The zygote grows into a diploid structure called the sporophyte, but it is still connected to the gametophyte. In mosses, the sporophyte structure is a stalk bearing capsule which contains haploid spores produced by meiosis. The spores are dispersed by wind and germinate into haploid gametophytes which then produces the antheridium and archegonium.
These plants are anchored to the substrate by rhizoids rather than roots. Rhizoids are root-like absorptive structures. Bryophytes lack true roots, true leaves, and true stems meaning they subsequently lack vascular tissues, and so they must remain in/near water. Algae and some fungi form rhizoids as well.
Lycophyta
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under major seedless plant divisions.
Includes club mosses, spike mosses, and quillworts, which are herbaceous. Club and spike mosses produce clusters of spore- bearing sporangia in cone-like structures called strobili. A type of lycophyte called the resurrection plant, a spike moss, can recover from a dead-like appearance after it is watered
Pterophyta
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under major seedless plant divisions.
3 groups: ferns, horsetails, and whisk ferns. The life cycle in PDF is for ferns, but it is very similar for lycophyta as well. The primary difference is that the lycophytes use a prominent cone- like strobili, but ferns use the sori on the undersurface of their leaves. Sori are clusters of sporangia on in pterophytes.
Ferns
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under major seedless plant divisions. Under pterophyta.
Produce clusters of
sporangia (structures in which spores are produced) called sori that develop on the undersurface of fern fronds. In ferns, the predominant plant form is the sporophyte
Horsetails
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under major seedless plant divisions. Under pterophyta.
These include extinct woody trees. The stems of horsetails are hollow, ribbed, and are jointed at nodes. The strobili bear spores. Stems, branches, and leaves are green and thus are photosynthetic. The plants also have a rough texture due to silica
Whisk ferns
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under major seedless plant divisions. Under pterophyta.
These plants have branching stems without roots. The leaves are reduced to small appendages or are absent. The absence of roots and leaves is considered secondary loss, which means they were lost as whisk ferns diverged from their ancestors
Seeded vascular plant divisions
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae.
The next two plant divisions produce seeds: male spores and female spores. Microsporangia produces microspores (male spores) and megasporangia produces the megaspores (female spores).
2 plant divisions of the seeded vascular plants:
i. Coniferophyta
ii. Anthophyta (angiosperms)
Microsporangium
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions.
Produces numerous microspore mother cells, which divide by meiosis to produce four haploid cells a.k.a. microspores. These microspores then mature into pollen grains which represent the gametophyte generation. Pollen grains are the immature male gametophyte with a hard covering. The grains further divide into three cells (in flowering plants) or four cells (in conifers). One of the cells is a vegetative/tube cell that controls the growth of the pollen tube, while the other cells are sperm cells
Megasporangium
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions.
The nucellus produces the megaspore mother cell. After undergoing meiosis, four haploid cells are created but only one survives to become the megaspore (female gametophyte generation). That megaspore undergoes mitosis to produce the embryo sac. There is one egg in flowering plants and two eggs in conifers. One or two tissue layers called integuments surround the megasporangium. The ovule consists of the integument, nucellus, and megaspore daughter cells. The micropyle is the opening within the integuments for pollen to access to the egg
Remember that it is the seeds and not the spores directly that are the dispersal unit.
Once the pollen grain contacts the megasporangium, the tube cell of the sperm directs the growth of the pollen tube through the micropyle and towards the egg. Fertilization and the creation of a zygote occurs, which becomes an embryo. This is the beginning of the sporophyte generation. The integuments become the seed coat.
Coniferophyta
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions.
a.k.a. gymnosperms meaning naked-seeds. These plants are cone-bearing and include the pines, firs, spruces, junipers, redwoods, and cedars. They have pollen-bearing male cones and ovule-bearing female cones. The seeds produced in unprotected megaspores are near the surface of the reproductive structure. Fertilization and seed development are lengthy, requiring one to three years
Anthophyta (angiosperms)
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions.
These are flowering plants which include fruits, maple, oaks, grass, etc., and are the dominant land plant form. The flower is the reproductive structure of an angiosperm.
Angiosperms have major evolutionary advancements due to their structure. They can attract pollinators such as insects and birds. The ovule is protected inside an ovary which develops into fruit following fertilization. The seeds are then dispersed by wind or by other animals.
Major parts of the flower of an angiosperm
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions.
Pistil, stamen, petals
Pistil
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions. Major parts of the flower of an angiosperm
The female reproductive structure. It has three parts: ovary (egg-bearing), style, and stigma. The ovary encloses one or more ovules with a monopoloid egg nucleus
Stamen
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions. Major parts of the flower of an angiosperm
The male reproductive structure. It has a pollen-bearing anther, stalk, and filament. The anther is the chamber where the pollen develops
Petals
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions. Major parts of the flower of an angiosperm
The petal, and sometimes the sepals too, function to attract pollinators. In angiosperms, the sepal encloses and protects the flower bud
Angiosperm process of fertilization step 1/3
Domain Eukarya. Kingdom Plantae. Under seeded vascular plant divisions.
The pollen lands on the sticky stigma. The pollen tube (elongating cell) that contains the vegetative nucleus grows down the style toward the ovule. There are 2 sperm cells inside the pollen tube.