Revision notes on Reproduction in Plants

Two general methods of reproduction

1. By Seeds (Bisexual)
- usually by flowering plants such as tomatoes, fruits such as apples, oranges etc

- Seeds will grow into new plant -->when conditions are right Eg Warmth, Air, Water
The process is called GERMINATION

Note : Sunlight is not needed for seeds to grow into new plants
The seedlings (grown from seed) will temporary obtain food from their SEED
LEAVES until they have leaves to make food.

- Cycle :

Seed --> seedling --> young plant --> adult plant --> back to seed again to complete the cycle

- For the seeds to grow into young plant succesfully and healthy, they are usually dispersed from the adult plant.

The different methods of dispersal are :

i) By water Eg coconut, nipah

ii) By wind Eg african tulip, lallang, shorea, angsana

iii) By animals Eg manago (juicy and freshy)
Eg Mimosa (with hooks)

iv) By explosive action Eg rubber, african tulip, cotton


- From the adult plant to seed -> Pollination and Fertilisation must happen.

* Pollination - transfer to pollen grains from the anthers to the stigma.

* Fertilisation - the fusion of pollen grains (male cells) with the ovule found in the ovary

(After fertilisation, the ovule will become the seeds and the ovary will become the fruit.



2. By Plant parts (Asexual)

- Plants can also reproduced from plant parts (it is a faster process)

* By Leaves : Bryophyllum, African Violet

* By Suckers : Banana, pineapple, heliconia, sealing wax palm

* By Underground stems : onion, ginger, water chestnut

* By underground root : turnip, tapioca, sweet potato


3. By Spores
- Eg Ferns, Fungi (mushrooms) - Note : Fungi not considered as plants.