Sexual reproduction in plants: Practice Questions

What is the primary function of the petals in an insect-pollinated flower?

In flowering plants, which process occurs immediately after a pollen nucleus fuses with a nucleus in an ovule?

In a changing environment where a new disease is introduced, how does cross-pollination provide a significant advantage to a plant population compared to self-pollination?

In an insect-pollinated flower, which structures collectively make up the female part known as the carpel?

What is the correct definition of pollination?

Identify two parts of an insect-pollinated flower responsible for producing pollen.

Distinguish between self-pollination and cross-pollination in flowering plants.

Contrast the structural adaptations and placement of the stigma in insect-pollinated flowers versus wind-pollinated flowers to account for their different methods of capturing pollen.

Wind-pollinated flowers have distinct structural adaptations compared to insect-pollinated flowers.
(a) Describe the appearance and position of the anthers and stigma in a typical wind-pollinated flower.
(b) Explain how these specific positions facilitate successful pollination.

(a) Describe the physiological events that occur from the moment a pollen grain lands on a compatible stigma until the formation of a zygote. In your answer, include the roles of the style, micropyle, and the change in ploidy involved.
(b) Although cross-pollination is beneficial for wild populations, suggest two reasons why a farmer might prefer to use plants that rely on self-pollination or asexual reproduction for the commercial production of a high-quality crop.