Plant reproductive morphology

Plant Reproductive Morphology is the study of the physical form and structure (the morphology) of those parts of plants directly or indirectly involved in sexual reproduction.

Overview

Plant reproductive morphology is concerned with the sexual reproduction of plants. Sexual reproduction is the biological process by which new offspring are produced from the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms. In plants, this involves the production and dispersal of spores or seeds.

Flower Structure

The most common form of plant reproduction in angiosperms (flowering plants) is through the use of flowers. Flowers are complex structures that include stamen (male, pollen-producing part), carpel (female, ovule-producing part), petals, and sepals.

A diagram of a typical flower. (1) Sepal, (2) Petal, (3) Stamen, (4) Carpel

Pollination

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from a male part of a plant to a female part of a plant, later enabling fertilisation and the production of seeds, most often by an animal or by wind. Pollinating agents are animals such as insects, birds, and bats; water; wind; and even plants themselves, when self-pollination occurs within a closed flower.

Fertilization and Seed Formation

After pollination, the pollen grain grows a pollen tube that extends down into the ovary, where it delivers sperm cells to fertilize the ovule. This results in a seed, which encloses an embryo and a food supply surrounded by a protective coat.

Fruit Formation

Following fertilization, the ovary of the flower develops into a fruit containing seeds. Not all plants produce fruits that are considered culinary fruits. For example, in botanical terms, a nut is a type of fruit.

See Also

• Flower
• Pollination
• Fertilization
• Seed
• Fruit