Pollination

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Lesson notes

Flower Structure

  • The stamen is the male reproductive part, consisting of the anther (produces pollen) and the filament (supports the anther).
  • The carpel is the female reproductive part, comprising the stigma (sticky tip), style (tube), and ovary (contains ovules with female sex cells).
  • Petals are often brightly coloured to attract pollinators like bees and butterflies.
  • Sepals are green, leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud before it opens.

The parts of a flower, the reproductive organ of a plant.

The parts of a flower, the reproductive organ of a plant.

What is Pollination?

  • Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the stamen (male part) to the carpel (female part) of a flower.
  • It allows plants to reproduce and produce seeds for the next generation.
  • Pollen grains contain the male sex cells; they land on the stigma to enable fertilisation.

Self-Pollination

  • Pollen from the anther lands on the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
  • It can occur without external pollinators.
  • Leads to less genetic variation in offspring.

Cross-Pollination

  • Pollen is transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species.
  • Often requires pollinators such as insects (bees, butterflies) or wind.
  • Increases genetic variation, which can improve survival.

Pollinators

  • Common insect pollinators include bees and butterflies.
  • Wind can also carry pollen between flowers.
  • Brightly coloured petals and scent attract insect pollinators.

Slides

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Practice questions

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  1. 1.Which part of the flower produces pollen grains?

    Easy
    • AAnther
    • BFilament
    • CStigma
    • DOvary
  2. 2.What is the function of the stigma?

    Easy
    • ATo produce pollen
    • BTo capture pollen
    • CTo support the anther
    • DTo produce ovules
  3. 3.Which of the following is the male reproductive part of a flower?

    Easy
    • ACarpel
    • BStamen
    • CSepal
    • DPetal
  4. 4.What is the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination?

    Medium
    • ASelf-pollination uses wind; cross-pollination uses insects
    • BSelf-pollination transfers pollen within the same plant; cross-pollination transfers pollen to a different plant
    • CSelf-pollination requires pollinators; cross-pollination does not
    • DSelf-pollination produces seeds; cross-pollination does not
  5. 5.Which of the following is NOT a pollinator?

    Easy
    • ABee
    • BButterfly
    • CWind
    • DAnther
  6. 6.After pollination, where does the pollen grain land?

    Easy
    • AAnther
    • BFilament
    • CStigma
    • DOvary
  7. 7.What is the function of the filament?

    Easy
    • ATo produce pollen
    • BTo capture pollen
    • CTo support the anther
    • DTo connect stigma to ovary
  8. 8.Which of the following statements about pollination is correct?

    Medium
    • APollination is the transfer of pollen from carpel to stamen
    • BPollination allows fertilisation to occur
    • CPollination occurs after seed formation
    • DPollination only occurs in insect-pollinated plants

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