Chapter 16 - Reproduction in plants

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

• In asexual reproduction, some of the parent organism's cells divide by mitosis. 
• Potatoes reproduce using stem tubers. 
• Sucrose is transported from the leaves into these underground stem tubers, where it is converted into starch and stored. 

SEXUAL REPRODUCTION

• A cell which has the full numer of chromosomes, with two complete sets, is called a diploid cell. 
• An egg or sperm only has 23 chromosomes - a single set. It is called a haploid cell. Gametes are always haploid. 
• When two gametes fuse together, they form a diploid zygote. 
• When gametes are being made, cells divide by meiosis. 
• Meiosis produces new cells with only half as many chromosomes as the parent cell. 
• In flowering plants, the female gamete is a nucleus inside the ovule. 
• In flowering plants, the male gamete is found inside the pollen grain. 

SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS

• The function of the flower is to make gametes and to ensure that fertilisation will take place. 
• Most, but not all, flowers are hermaphrodites (makes both male and female gametes).
• Inside the petals are the stamens (male parts of the flower). 
• The anthers contain pollen grains, which contain the male gametes. 
• The female part of the flower is in the centre. It consists of one or more carpels. A carpel contains an ovary. Inside the ovary are…