Lessons in this chapter
- 1Flower Structure, Anthers and MicrosporogenesisHow the flower organises sexual reproduction and how meiotic divisions inside the anther produce haploid microspores.
- 2Pollen Grains and Male Gametophyte DevelopmentThe architecture, cell stages and lifespan of pollen grains, and how mature male gametes become available for fertilisation.
- 3Pistil, Ovule and MegasporogenesisThe organisation of the female reproductive structures and meiosis of the megaspore mother cell within an ovule.
- 4Development and Structure of the Embryo SacThe functional megaspore's mitotic divisions, the seven-cell eight-nucleus plan and the roles of egg, synergids, antipodals and central cell.
- 5Pollination: Types, Agents and AdaptationsThe routes by which pollen reaches stigmas and the adaptations of flowers to wind, water and animals.
- 6Outbreeding, Pollen–Pistil Interaction and Controlled PollinationHow plants limit selfing, recognise compatible pollen, deliver sperm cells and enable controlled crosses.
- 7Double Fertilisation, Endosperm and Embryo DevelopmentThe two nuclear fusion events unique to flowering plants and the later formation of nutritive endosperm and dicot or monocot embryos.
- 8Seeds, Fruits, Apomixis and PolyembryonyHow fertilised ovules mature as seeds, ovaries develop into fruits and some plants form seeds or embryos through alternative routes.
- 9Chapter Summary and PracticeAn integrated account of sexual reproduction in flowering plants with concept checks and worked explanations for all eighteen core chapter problems.