Flower structure and pollination
≈ 48 minFlower structure and pollination
Flowers organise sexual reproduction. The anther produces pollen; the stigma receives it; the style links stigma to ovary; ovules in the ovary contain female gametes. Pollination is transfer of pollen from anther to stigma. Fertilisation happens later, when a pollen tube delivers a male nucleus to an ovule. Flower colour, scent, nectar and shape can increase the chance that a particular pollinator transfers pollen between flowers of the same species.
Work it through
A flower with a long tube and nectar deep inside may favour a pollinator with a long tongue. Pollen sticks to that animal, then reaches another flower's stigma. The transfer is pollination; the fusion of nuclei still has to occur inside the ovule.
Mastery target
Label the route from anther to ovule and separate pollination from fertilisation.
Where are ovules found in a typical flower?
Name the key biological term from Flower structure and pollination: enter the term that best fits the explanation and visual model.
A pesticide removes many local insect pollinators. Which outcome is most likely for an insect-pollinated crop?
Which statement corrects a common misunderstanding in Flower structure and pollination?