Reproduction Flashcards
what is fertilisation
the fusion of haploid male and female gametes, restoring the diploid number of chromosomes in the zygote which then undergoes cell division and develops into an embryo
What is the difference between asexual and sexual reproduction
- S = genetically varied offspring
A = genetically identical offspring
what does sexual reproduction involve
sexual reproduction involves the joining of two sex cells or gametes during fertilization
organisms produced by sexual reproduction have two parents and are genetically similar to both but not identical to either
what does asexual reproduction involve and produce
involves only one parent so there is no joining of sex cells during fertilisation
organisms produced are genetically identical to each other and their parent - they are clones
what are the three ways an organism can naturally asexually reproduce
- runners (a new plant is produced where the runner touches the ground)
- tubers (one plant can produce many tubers which can each grow many shoots which form new plants)
- bulbs
what is an artificial method of reproducing asexually
cuttings
a piece of the plant’s stem, with a few leaves attached, is cut from a healthy plant. this is planted in damp compost where it will grow roots and develop into a new plant
where is the stamen in a wind pollinated plant and why
exposed outside of the petals - to release pollen grains easier
where is the stamen in an insect pollinated plant and why
enclosed within flower - so insects must make contact in order to get to the nectar
where is the stigma in a wind pollinated plant and what is it like. Why?
exposed and often feathery - forms a network to catch pollen grains drifting by
where is the stigma in an insect pollinated plant and what is it like. Why?
enclosed and sticky - pollen grains tick to it as insects brush past
what are the petals like in a wind pollinated plant
small and often green
what are the petals like in an insect pollinated plant
large and brightly coloured
what is the nectar like in a wind pollinated plant
absent
what is the nectar like in an insect pollinated plant
present - produce sugary fluid to attract insects
what is a stamen
the word for both the anther and the filament
what is the stigma
the top of the big green bit in the middle
what does the anther do
produces the male gametes which are contained in pollen grains
where are the female plant gametes produced and what are they called
in the ovule found in the ovary
egg cells/ova
what does the stigma do
collects pollen grains
what does the ovary do in a plant
produces the female sex cells (contained in the ovules)
advantages of sexual reproduction
- introduces variation into the population
- the species can adapt to new environments
- a disease is less likely to affect all the individuals in a population
disadvantages of sexual reproduction
- time and energy needed to find a mate
- not possible for an isolated individual
advantages of asexual reproduction
- population can increase rapidly
- genetic advantages can be passed down to offspring
disadvantages of asexual reproduction
- no variation in a population
- species may only be suited to one habitat
- disease may affect all the individuals in a population
where is the style on a plant
the long tube beneath the stigma and above the ovary
number of pollen grains in an insect pollinated plant and why
moderate - insects transfer pollen grains efficiently
number of pollen grains in a wind pollinated plant
large amounts - most pollen grains are not likely to be transferred to another flower
what are the 8 steps of fertilization starting with
- pollen grains are deposited onto the stigma
- pollen grains are deposited onto the stigma
- The pollen grain grows a pollen tube which grows down through the
style. - Enzymes are secreted at the tip of the tube which digest the tissues of the style.
- When the tube reaches an ovule the male gamete travels through the tube
entering the ovule through a small hole called the micropyle. - It then fuses with the female gamete (ovum) in the process of fertilisation.
- The fertilised ovum divides by mitosis to form the embryo
- The ovule develops into the seed.
- The ovary develops into the fruit
how do germinating seeds utilize food reserves until they are ready to photosynthesise
They therefore use their food stores using ENZYMES that break down their starch carbohydrate stores.
These are then used as a fuel in respiration to release energy.