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Flower structure and pollination

Flower structure and pollination

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Summary

Flower structure and pollination

In a nutshell

Flowers have both male and female reproductive organs. They pollinate by getting pollen from the male reproductive organ to the female reproductive organ. As flowers cannot move, their pollination is aided by insects and the wind.



Flower structure

The flower has many different parts that are important for its growth and the growth of new plants.

Science; Plants; KS3 Year 7; Flower structure and pollination



Part

Description

1.
Stamen
The stamen is the male reproductive part of the flower. It consists of the anther and the filament. 
1. A
Anther
The anther contains the pollen grains which produce the male sex cells.
1. B
Filament
The filament supports the anther.
2.
Carpel
The carpel is the female reproductive part of the flower. It consists of the stigma, style and ovary.
2. A
Stigma
The stigma is the sticky bulb at the centre of a flower that catches pollen.
2. B
Style
The style holds up the stigma.
2. C
Ovary
The ovary contains the female sex cells (eggs - part 3.)
4.  
Sepal
The sepals are green and resemble small leaves that protect the flower when it is a bud.
5. 
Petal
Petals are modified leaves that surround the flower. They are often brightly coloured to attract insects needed for pollination.



Pollination

Flowers contain both pollen and eggs which combine to make seeds. The seeds then grow into new plants. Pollination occurs when pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma. This process can happen in two ways; self-pollination or cross-pollination. 


Self-pollination 

When the pollen is transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same plant. 

Science; Plants; KS3 Year 7; Flower structure and pollination

Cross-pollination 

When the pollen is transferred from the anther of one plant to the stigma of a different plant. This can be aided by the wind or insects. 


Insect pollination 

Insects are attracted to flowers that are scented and have brightly coloured petals. Some flowers have nectaries, which are glands that produce a sugary liquid for insects to feed on. Whilst insects feed, pollen sticks to them and when they move to a new flower, the insect will transfer the pollen to the stigma as it feeds.

Science; Plants; KS3 Year 7; Flower structure and pollination

Wind pollination

The stamen of the flower is blown in the wind and pollen is released into the air. The wind carries the pollen to the stigma of another flower. Flowers that pollinate this way are often duller in colour and do not have a strong scent.

Science; Plants; KS3 Year 7; Flower structure and pollination
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Learn with Basics

Length:
Parts of a plant and their functions

Unit 1

Parts of a plant and their functions

The structure of a flower

Unit 2

The structure of a flower

Jump Ahead

Flower structure and pollination

Unit 3

Flower structure and pollination

Final Test

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FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions

How do insects help pollination?

What is pollination?

What are the female reproductive parts of a flower?

What are the male reproductive parts of a flower?

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