Lecture 13: Plant Reproduction

Question 1

Explain asexual plant reproduction; what does it mean when they say parenchyma cells are totipotent?

Answer 1

• capable of giving rise to any cell type
• can develop new plants through mitosis (asexual reproduction)
• new plants are genetic clones

Question 2

Explain the advantage of sexual plant reproduction

Answer 2

• much greater genetic diversity in population allowing for greater chances of survival against predators and the environment

Question 3

Explain the difference between stolons and rhizomes

Answer 3

• stolons: above the ground stems

- rhizomes: underground stems

Question 4

What does it mean when they say

Answer 4

• diploid is a cell or organism that has paired chromosomes, one from each parent.

Question 5

explain meiosis 1

Answer 5

• see google doc

Question 6

explain fertilization

Answer 6

• see google doc

Question 7

Can you identify the reproductive structures on a plant?

Answer 7

• see google doc

Question 8

What is the difference between perfect and imperfect flowers

Answer 8

• perfect: flowers contain both stamens and carpels

- imperfect: flowers contain either stamen or carpel (not both); example: corn

Question 9

stamen vs carpel

Answer 9

• stamen: plant male reproductive organ

- carpel: plant female reproductive organ

Question 10

monoecious vs dioecious

Answer 10

• monoecious: organism with both male and female reproductive organs
• dioecious: organism that has only male or female reproductive organs

Question 11

Plants naturally are spatially avoidant. What does this mean?

Answer 11

• self-fertilization is rare

- cross-fertilization by wind, water, or pollinators

Question 12

Explain embryo development and seed maturation

Answer 12

• see google doc

Question 13

Explain seed germination

Answer 13

• see google doc

Question 14

Explain the following differences between a monocot and a eudicot

• seed
• root
• vascular
• leaf
• flower

Answer 14

• see google doc

Question 15

cotyledon

Answer 15

• leaf stored in a seed; the first leaf/leaves when a seed sprouts

Question 16

What part of a flower develops into the edible part of a fruit? What is the purpose of fruit?

Answer 16

• ovary

- purpose: aids in seed dispersal and protects seeds

Question 17

What are the special mechanisms some seeds have to discourage predators that pose a threat to seeds?

Answer 17

• spice! ex: capsaicin (what makes chillies hot); deters mice but not birds (who can’t “feel” spice)
• hard shells