Biology Plant Reproduction and Structure Flashcards

In gymnosperms, the female gametophyte is located within the:

Answer: Ovule

In gymnosperms, the ovule contains the female gametophyte (megagametophyte), which produces the egg cell for fertilization.

Which of the following best describes the sporophyte generation in land plants?

Answer: The diploid, spore-producing generation

The sporophyte is the diploid (2n) generation that produces spores via meiosis in the alternation of generations life cycle.

In ferns, the gametophyte is called the:

Answer: Prothallus

The prothallus is the small, heart-shaped, independent haploid gametophyte of ferns that produces both eggs and sperm.

The sori found on the underside of fern fronds are:

Answer: Clusters of sporangia that produce spores

Sori are clusters of sporangia (spore-producing structures) found on the lower surface of fern fronds.

Which feature distinguishes vascular plants from non-vascular plants (bryophytes)?

Answer: Presence of xylem and phloem

Vascular plants possess xylem (water transport) and phloem (food transport) tissues, which are absent in bryophytes.

In mosses, which generation is dominant and photosynthetically active?

Answer: Gametophyte

In mosses (bryophytes), the haploid gametophyte is the dominant, green, photosynthetic generation, unlike in vascular plants.

Wind pollination (anemophily) is most commonly associated with which type of flowers?

Answer: Small, inconspicuous flowers with large amounts of light pollen

Wind-pollinated flowers are typically small, lack petals and scent, and produce abundant, lightweight, smooth pollen to maximize dispersal.