Photosynthesis and Pollination Processes

Study Notes

Photosynthesis

Process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the sun into chemical energy in the form of organic compounds (glucose)
Occurs in chloroplasts, organelles found in plant cells
Requires:
- Light energy from the sun
- Water (H2O)
- Carbon dioxide (CO2)
Produces:
- Glucose (C6H12O6)
- Oxygen (O2)

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from the male reproductive organ of a plant (anther) to the female reproductive organ (stigma)
Allows for fertilization and reproduction
Agents of pollination:
- Insects (bees, butterflies, moths)
- Birds
- Bats
- Wind

Parts of a Plant

Roots:
- Underground structures that absorb water and nutrients from the soil
- Anchor the plant in place
Stem:
- Connects the roots to the leaves
- Supports the plant's height and structure
Leaves:
- Organs of photosynthesis
- Contain chloroplasts for light-dependent reactions
Flowers:
- Reproductive structures that produce seeds
- Contain male (anther) and female (stigma) reproductive organs
Seeds:
- Contain the embryo of a new plant
- Protect the embryo with a hard outer coat

Bees

Importance in pollination:
- Responsible for pollinating 1/3 of the world's crop species
- Visit flowers in search of nectar and pollen
- Accidentally transfer pollen between flowers, facilitating pollination
Bee biology:
- Social insects that live in colonies
- Have a complex communication system based on dance and pheromones

Plant Reproduction

Types of reproduction:
- Sexual reproduction: involves the fusion of male and female gametes (pollen and egg cells) to produce seeds
- Asexual reproduction: involves the production of offspring from vegetative parts of a plant (e.g., runners, tubers)
Life cycle:
- Seed germination
- Seedling growth
- Maturation and flowering
- Pollination and fertilization
- Seed production and dispersal

Photosynthesis

Converts light energy into chemical energy in the form of glucose
Occurs in chloroplasts, organelles found in plant cells
Requires light energy, water, and carbon dioxide
Produces glucose and oxygen

Pollination

Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma, allowing fertilization and reproduction
Agents of pollination: insects, birds, bats, and wind

Plant Structures

Roots

Absorb water and nutrients from the soil
Anchor the plant in place

Stem

Connects roots to leaves
Supports plant height and structure

Leaves

Organs of photosynthesis
Contain chloroplasts for light-dependent reactions

Flowers

Reproductive structures that produce seeds
Contain male and female reproductive organs

Seeds

Contain the embryo of a new plant
Protect the embryo with a hard outer coat

Bees

Responsible for pollinating 1/3 of the world's crop species
Visit flowers for nectar and pollen, accidentally transferring pollen
Social insects that live in colonies with complex communication systems

Plant Reproduction

Types of Reproduction

Sexual reproduction: fusion of male and female gametes to produce seeds
Asexual reproduction: production of offspring from vegetative parts

Life Cycle

Seed germination
Seedling growth
Maturation and flowering
Pollination and fertilization
Seed production and dispersal

Description

Learn about the processes of photosynthesis and pollination in plants, including the requirements and products of photosynthesis and the transfer of pollen from the male to female reproductive organs.