1. Plant Reproduction

2. Genesis 1:1
Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after (its) kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth.”

3. Sexual Reproduction
In sexual reproduction, each offspring receives genes from BOTH parents
This provides genetic variation in the new generation
Chromosomes occur in pairs (one from each parent)
Organisms are called diploid if they have 2 sets of chromosomes
An organism must make special cells called gametes before they can reproduce
 Gametes are haploid or they have HALF the original amount of chromosomes (1 set)
These special cells will combine to make a new diploid organism

4. Flowers
For many plants, flowers are the main reproductive organs for sexual reproduction
They contain structures to make male and female gametes
Flowers have 4 main parts:
Sepals
Petals
Stamens
Pistils

5. Parts of a Flower Petals Stamen Made of 2 parts:
Usually the largest and most colorful part of flower
Color and design help attract insects/animals to help pollinate the flower
Stamen
Male reproductive part
Made of 2 parts:
long, thin - filament
Knobby sac – anther
Filled with pollen grains
Pistil (3 Parts) Female part:
Swollen area at the base is the ovary that contains the egg
Slender stalk above the ovary is the style
Atop the style is the stigma – which is sticky to help pollen attach to it
Sepals
Leaflike structures at the base of the flower
Protect flower before it blooms
Usually green

6. Pollination
Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from an anther to the stigma
When the correct pollen lands on the stigma a pollen tube is formed through the style

7. Life of a Seed
When the pollen unites with an egg it will form a zygote and then develop into a embryo or baby plant
The seed contains the embryo and some stored food in the form a cotyledon until the new plant can make its own food
As the seed matures, the petals and stamens fall off
The stem becomes thicker to support the weight of the fast growing seed
Fruit begins to form around the seed

8. Asexual Reproduction No gametes are involved
New plants are genetically exactly like their parents:
Examples:
Runners
Root sprouts
Leaf cutting
Buds or “eyes” on potatoes