Flower
A flower, sometimes known as a bloom or blossom, is the reproductive structure found in flowering plants (plants of the division Magnoliophyta, also called angiosperms). The biological function of a flower is to effect reproduction, usually by providing a mechanism for the union of sperm with eggs.
The PARTS and FUNCTION of FLOWER
- Stamen - Male part of the flower, consisting of the anther and filament, makes pollen grains.
- Carpel\Pistil - Female part of the flower. Consisting of the stigma, style and ovary.
- Peduncle -Flower stalk.
- Receptacle -Part of flower stalk bearing the floral organs, at base of flower.
- Sepal -Leaf-like structures at flower base, protects young flower bud.
- Calyx - All the sepals together form the calyx.
- Petal - Located in and above the sepals, often large and colourful, sometimes scented, sometimes producing nectar. Often serve to attract pollinators to the plant.
- Corolla - All the petals together form the corolla.
Flower Reproduction
Sexual reproduction in plants occurs when the pollen from an anther is transferred to the stigma. Plants can fertilize themselves: called self-fertilization. Self-fertilization occurs when the pollen from an anther fertilizes the eggs on the same flower. Cross-fertilization occurs when the pollen is transferred to the stigma of an entirely different plant.When the ovules are fertilized, they will develop into seeds. The petals of the flower fall off leaving only the ovary behind, which will develop into a fruit. There are many different kinds of fruits, including apples and oranges and peaches. A fruit is any structure that encloses and protects a seed, so fruits are also "helicopters" and acorns, and bean pods. When you eat a fruit, you are actually eating the ovary of the flower.
References:
- http://www.biologycorner.com/worksheets/flower_coloring.html
- http://andromeda.cavehill.uwi.edu/flower_structure_and_function.htm
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flower
