Plant Life Cycles

Alternation of generation – the process of alternating between asexual and sexual reproduction Seedless plants begin by releasing spores that develop into new plants without fertilization. The new adult plant develops male and female structure that join and fertilize to create a new adult plant.

Pollination – the transfer of pollen from the stamen to the pistil Pollen- a yellow powder that contains the sperm cells Nectar – sweet liquid produced by flowers to attract pollinators Self-pollination – a perfect flower with male & female parts pollinates itself Cross-pollination- pollen from one plant pollinates the flower on another plant

Seeds Seed has 3 parts – Embryo - the fertilized egg cell developing into a new offspring – Cotyledon-surrounds the embryo and is its food supply – Seed coat – tough outer covering that protects the seed

Germination – the process of the seed developing into a new plant Monocot- seed with a single cotyledon, parallel vein pattern on leaves, flower petals in groups of three Dicot – seed with two cotyledons, leaves have a branched vein pattern, flower petals in groups of 4 or 5

Conifers Conifer – a seed plant with no flowers – Evergreens, pines and firs Single tree produces male and female cones Male pollen cells stick to female cones and developing egg remains there as it develops into a seed