Plant Classification & Reproduction

Plants can be classified into 2 main groups:

Non-seed plants mosses = no vascular systems ferns = vascular systems but no

seeds

Seed plants Gymnosperms = complex vascular

system + bare seed (cone) Angiosperm = complex vascular

system + enclosed seed within a flower

Reproduction terminology

Alternation of Generation Any life cycle that involves sexual and asexual reproduction

The life cycle of all plants have 2 phases:

Asexual reproduction new plant produced from one parent plant only (genetically identical to parent) Sporophyte form of plant that reproduces asexually

Sexual reproduction new plant produced by union of a male and female sex cell (NOT genetically identical) Gametophyte form of plant that reproduces sexually

(egg + sperm –--fertilization---- zygote embryo new sporophyte)

Non-seed plant

Fern have large leafy fronds, rhizomes (underground stems) and generally prefer warm moist climates. Needs water for reproduction.

Life Cycle Sporophyte – large and photosynthetic

Produces spores asexually Gametophyte – separate small plant (1cm diameter)

from the sporophyte produces zygote sexually

Seed plants

Gymnosperms woody trees or shrubs (conifers) that produce seeds that are NOT in an enclosed structure. Wind needed for pollination.

Life Cycle Sporophyte = large trees that produce

cones Produces pollen and eggs

Gametophyte = microscopic plant found on specialized structure on the sporophyte

Produces seeds

Angiosperms flowering plants. Can be pollinated by insects and wind.

Life Cycle Sporophyte = flowering plant

produces pollen and eggs

Gametophyte = pollen and egg found in the flowers

produces seeds

… these are the parts of the flower

Male reproductive part = stamen which are made up of… filament - stalk anther – produces pollen

grainsFemale reproductive part = Pistil

which is made up of… style – stalk stigma – sticky surface at

tip of style ovary – organ that

contain the egg

style

Fern Vs. Angiosperm

Comparison of their life Cycles

page 279 figure 8

and

page 283 figure 6

Fern Angiosperm

Spore produced on fern frond Flowers on the sporophyte produce pollen

Spores released and develop into a small gametophyte

Pollen is carried to other flower

Gametophyte produces egg and sperm

Egg and sperm unit and create a zygote

Pollen grain grows down style to reach the ovary. Sperm in the pollen

grain then fertilizes the egg Zygote develops and seed is formed.

Zygote develops into mature sporophyte (fern)

The seed is released and develops into a new sporophyte