Michael Timson

Biology
TITLE: SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
AIM: To observe the hibiscus to identify the male and female reproductive organ of the plant
INTRODUCTION: In sexual reproduction, two individuals produce special reproductive cells or
gametes. This happens as a result of meiosis and the fusion of the gametes produces offspring
that have genetic characteristics from both parents. Flowers are the reproductive organs of plants
and regardless to the colour shape and size produce and contain the gametes or sex cells. The
female gamete is the ovule and the male gamete is the pollen grains. The flowers houses and
protects and bring together the female and male gametes. Pollination is the transfer of the pollen
grains from the anther to the stigma of other flowers of the same species. Self-pollination is the
transfer of pollen to the same flower or flowers of the same plant. Cross pollination, which most
plants undergo, is the transfer of pollen to flowers on another plant of the same species.
Fertilization is the fusing of the male and female gametes after the have been brought together
during pollination. Once the male and male nuclei have reached the ovule, fertilization can take
place.
APPARATUS:
Hibiscus flower
1 sheet of Paper
Sharpened Pencil

METHOD
1. A hibiscus flower was obtained and dissected so that the internal structures can be
observed and drawn.
2. It was then placed in a position where all of its external structures were clearly seen.
3. The external structures were then drawn
4. The drawings were then labeled and the title of the drawing was placed at the top.
5. The magnitude of the drawing was then calculated and placed next to the title.
DISCUSSION: Reproduction is important for the continuation of life. It is the process by which
new organisms are produced. Flowering plants reproduce sexually, which is the fusion of male

Michael Timson
Biology
and female gamete. In plants this fusion is known as fertilization. Fertilization occurs after
pollination. Most plant favor cross-pollination rather than self-pollination. Cross pollination is
the transfer of pollen to flowers on another plant of the same species. Self-pollination is the
transfer of pollen to the same flower or flowers of the same plant. After fertilization, the ovules
develop into seed which contains the young plant known as an embryo. The ovary then grows
into the fruit and the petals, stigma and style falls off. The seeds are then dispersed by animals
and germination begins where the seed grow into a seedling.
Reproduction in man involves two sexes, the male produces male gametes and the female
produces female gametes. However unlike plants, the male and female gametes are not contained
in one organism. The female gamete is the ovum and the male gamete is the spermatozoon.
Unlike flowers, the act of copulation or mating brings the gametes close together. Fertilization
occurs when the sperm is ejaculated just below the cervix allowing them to swim across the
uterus and up the Fallopian. Only one sperm cell fuses with the ovum and this is known as
fertilization.
CONCLUSION: In this experiment, the structures of a hibiscus flower were carefully examined
and drawn and labeled noting all the important parts and there functions. It was observed that a
hibiscus flower contained male and female gametes which are essential to the reproduction
plants.