Angiosperm Reproduction

Parts of a Flower
Pistil
Stigma (female
Style )
Stamen Anther
Ovary
(male) Filamen
t

Petals
collectively
ovule called the
corolla

Sepal
collectively
called the calyx

Life cycle of an Angiosperm

\Pollination vs. Fertilization

• Pollination is the process by which pollen is transferred between flowers
• Cross pollination occurs when the pollen of one flower travels to another
• Most flowers have structures that disallow for self-pollination as it limits genetic diversity
• Generally cross pollination is done by wind or animals
• Fertilization is the process of male and female gametes combining
Seed Formation
• Seeds are formed within the ovary (fruit) and have a tough outer shell called a testa
• The seed reduces its amount of water to 10 – 15 % (mbv) as it enters a dormant stage
• It will stay in its dormant stage until conditions are reached that cause the beginning of germination

Seed Dispersal
• Seed dispersal is the movement of seeds away from the parent plant
• It can occur due to wind (e.g. maple key), or in animals that have eaten the fruit
• When the seeds are deposited during defecation, the feces acts as a natural substrate and fertilizer for
plant as it develops.

Seed Structure
Cotyledon- Stored food that the embryonic plant will use as a food source until photosynthesis can
occur.
Seed Coat or Testa- Protects the seed from the external environment
Germination
The onset of germination begins when factors have
reached the necessary levels and may include:
1. Adequate water, oxygen and temperature
2. Seed development
3. Breakdown of the seed coat
4. The seed has been pre-chilled

Control of Flowering
• Flowering is controlled by a pigment called phytochrome found in plant leaves
• There are to forms of phytochrome:
PR – which absorbs mostly red light
PFR – which absorbs mostly far-red light
• PFR – is responsible for the onset of flowering
• Short-day plants which flower only when there is a period of darkness greater than a critical value
• Long-day plants which flower only when there is a period of darkness less than a critical value

The Role of PFR

• In short-day plants PFR inhibits flower production Flowering in Short and Long Day Plants
• When light hits the leaves it causes PFR to be
produced
• Therefore the long periods of night with short
periods of light cause the PFR levels to fall allowing
for flowering

The Role of PFR

• In long-day plants PFR promotes flower production
• When light hits the leaves it causes PFR to be
produced
• Therefore the short periods of night with long
periods of light cause the PFR levels to rise allowing
for flowering