Which of the following is the correct sequence of events in flowering plant reproduction?
- AOption (a)
Fertilisation → Pollination → Embryo → Seedling
- BOption (b)
Embryo → Seedling → Pollination → Fertilisation
- COption (c)
Pollination → Fertilisation → Embryo → Seedling
- DOption (d)
Pollination → Fertilisation → Seedling → Embryo
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Correct answer
Pollination → Fertilisation → Embryo → Seedling
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is Pollination → Fertilisation → Embryo → Seedling.
Key Points
- Pollination: The process begins with pollination, where the pollen grains are transferred from the anther (male part) of a flower to the stigma (female part). This process can occur through various agents such as wind, water, insects, or animals. This step is vital for sexual reproduction in flowering plants.
- Fertilisation: After successful pollination, fertilisation occurs. The pollen grain germinates on the stigma, and the pollen tube grows down the style into the ovary. The male gamete fuses with the female gamete (egg) to form a zygote.
- Embryo Formation: The fertilised zygote develops into an embryo. This stage marks the beginning of the formation of a new plant. The embryo consists of the plumule, radicle, and cotyledons, which later give rise to the shoot, root, and seed storage tissue, respectively.
- Seedling Development: Once the embryo matures within the seed, it germinates under favourable conditions (water, temperature, oxygen) to form a seedling, which develops into a new plant. This marks the completion of the reproduction cycle in flowering plants.
Additional Information
- Pollination Types:
- Self-pollination: Pollen from the anther is transferred to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
- Cross-pollination: Pollen is transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of a flower on a different plant of the same species. Agents include insects, wind, and water.
- Fertilisation Process:
- Fertilisation is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
- This process occurs within the ovule, which is housed in the ovary of the flower.
- Double fertilisation is unique to flowering plants, where one sperm fertilises the egg, forming the zygote, and the other sperm combines with polar nuclei to form the endosperm.
- Seed and Embryo Development:
- After fertilisation, the ovule develops into a seed, and the ovary becomes the fruit.
- The seed contains the embryo and stored food, surrounded by a protective seed coat.
- Seed Germination:
- Germination is the process where a seed develops into a seedling under favourable conditions.
- Essential factors include water, oxygen, and an appropriate temperature.
- During germination, the radicle (embryonic root) emerges first, followed by the plumule (embryonic shoot).
Important Points
- Sequence of Events: The correct sequence in the reproduction of flowering plants is Pollination → Fertilisation → Embryo → Seedling. Any deviation from this sequence will disrupt the reproductive cycle.
- Role of Pollination: Pollination is a pre-requisite for fertilisation. Without it, the male gametes cannot reach the female gametes.
- Double Fertilisation: Unique to angiosperms, where two fertilisation events occur: one forming the embryo and the other forming the endosperm, which nourishes the developing embryo.
- Importance of Seed Germination: Germination ensures the continuation of the species by giving rise to new plants under suitable conditions.