Floral Structure, Types And Development Flashcards
What are the four floral whorls?
Calyx (sepals), Corolla (petals), Androecium (stamens), Gynoecium (pistil)
The Gynoecium consists of stigma, style, and ovary.
What is the function of petals in flowers?
Attract pollinators
Petals are often brightly colored to draw in insects and other pollinators.
What are tepals?
Structures where sepals and petals are indistinguishable
Tepals are commonly found in flowers like lilies.
What do anthers release when they break open?
Pollen
Pollen is necessary for fertilization in flowering plants.
What is the purpose of the receptacle in a flower?
Holds all floral structures together
The receptacle is the thickened part of the stem that supports the flower.
Define perfect flowers.
Contain both male and female parts
This allows for self-pollination or cross-pollination.
What are monoecious flowers?
Male and female flowers on the same plant
Examples include corn and cucumber.
What are dioecious flowers?
Male and female flowers on separate plants
Examples include holly and kiwifruit.
What is vernalization?
Cold period requirement for flowering
Some plants, like barley, require a cold period to initiate flowering.
What is photoperiodism?
Light-dependent flowering
Plants use light duration to determine when to flower.
How do plants measure dark length?
Through phytochromes
Phytochromes are light-sensitive proteins that help in sensing light conditions.
Give an example of a short-day plant.
Poinsettias
Short-day plants require longer nights to trigger flowering.
What type of plants are long-day plants?
Plants that require longer daylight hours to flower
Examples include spinach and lettuce.
What triggers flowering in plants?
Critical light length
The specific duration of light and dark periods determine the initiation of flowering.
