Plant Anatomy: Petals and Sepals

Petals

• Colorful, often fragrant, and delicate structures that attract pollinators
• Function:
  • Attract pollinators (bees, butterflies, hummingbirds) to facilitate pollination
  • Protect the reproductive organs of the flower
  • May have ultraviolet patterns to guide pollinators to the nectar

Sepals

• Typically green, leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud
• Function:
  • Protect the flower bud from damage and desiccation
  • May be modified to attract pollinators or aid in seed dispersal

Stamen

• Male reproductive organs of the flower
• Consist of:
  • Anther: produces pollen
  • Filament: supports the anther
• Function:
  • Produce pollen containing male gametes (sperm cells)
  • Facilitate pollination by transferring pollen to the pistil

Pistil

• Female reproductive organ of the flower
• Consist of:
  • Stigma: receives pollen
  • Style: connects the stigma to the ovary
  • Ovary: contains ovules (egg cells)
• Function:
  • Receives pollen during pollination
  • Facilitates fertilization by allowing sperm cells to reach the ovules
  • Develops into a fruit or seed pod after fertilization

Receptacle

• The base of the flower that supports the other floral organs
• Function:
  • Attaches the flower to the stem
  • Provides a platform for the arrangement of the floral organs
  • May store nutrients and water for the flower

Flower Structures

• Petals:
  • Attract pollinators with color, fragrance, and delicacy
  • Protect reproductive organs
  • May have UV patterns to guide pollinators to nectar

Protection and Support

• Sepals:
  • Protect the flower bud from damage and desiccation
  • Can be modified to attract pollinators or aid in seed dispersal

Male Reproductive Organs

• Stamen:
  • Consist of anther (produces pollen) and filament (supports anther)
  • Produce pollen containing male gametes (sperm cells)
  • Facilitate pollination by transferring pollen to the pistil

Female Reproductive Organs

• Pistil:
  • Consist of stigma (receives pollen), style (connects stigma to ovary), and ovary (contains ovules/egg cells)
  • Receive pollen during pollination
  • Facilitate fertilization by allowing sperm cells to reach ovules
  • Develop into a fruit or seed pod after fertilization

Flower Base

• Receptacle:
  • Attaches the flower to the stem
  • Provides a platform for arranging floral organs
  • May store nutrients and water for the flower

Learn about the structure and function of petals and sepals in flowers, including their role in pollination and protection.