Plant Reproduction and Pollination

• Sexual reproduction in plants occurs through the fusion of male and female gametes.
• The flower, the reproductive organ, contains both male (stamen) and female (pistil) parts.
• Bisexual flowers possess both male and female parts, examples include rose and China rose.
• Unisexual flowers possess either male or female parts, such as gourd and pumpkin flowers.
• Pollination is the first step in sexual reproduction, and involves transferring pollen grains from the anther to the stigma.
• Pollination occurs between flowers of the same type, and can be self-pollinated (on the same plant) or cross-pollinated (between different plants).
• Agents such as wind, water, bees, bats, moths, and birds aid in pollination.
• Fertilization does not occur directly after pollination, there are intermediate steps.
• Self-pollination occurs between flowers on the same plant, cross-pollination occurs between flowers on different plants.

Test your knowledge of sexual reproduction in plants, including the roles of male and female parts in flowers, types of flowers (bisexual and unisexual), pollination, fertilization, and the agents involved in pollination.