Chapter 12 : Reproduction in plants :

Exercises:

Q.1. Describe the different methods of asexual reproduction. Give examples.

Ans . Asexual reproduction in plants can take place in the following ways:
a) Vegetative propagation: In this method new plants are produced from vegetative parts
(roots, stem and leaves) of the existing plant.
Eg : Stem : Rose, sugarcane, Potato, Onion, ginger, banana, etc.
Roots: Sweet Potato, dahlia, asparagus, etc.
Leaves: Bryophyllum, Begonia.

b) Budding: It is a common method of reproduction in yeast and hydra. In this, a small

out-growth is formed on the surface of the parent cell. The bud gradually grows and
detaches from the parent cell and forms a new cell. Sometimes another bud arises from
the bud forming a chain of buds. The new yeast cell grows, and produces more yeast
cells.

Fig: Budding in the yeast cell.

c) Fragmentation: Breaking of body of a plant into two or more fragments on maturing

each of the fragments which subsequently grows to form a new plant is known as
fragmentation. When water and nutrients are available to algae, they (spirogyra) grow
and multiply by this method.

d) Spore Formation: In this method, an individual produces spores. The thick walls of
the spores enable them to withstand unfavorable conditions. During favorable conditions
spores give rise to new individuals. Eg : fern, moss, fungi.
 e) Binary Fission: This process takes place in unicellular organisms. Parent cell
elongates and gets divided into two identical daughter cells. Each daughter cell grows
into an independent adult.

Q.2.Give difference :
a)
Sexual Reproduction
1 Involves both parents.
2 Seed formation takes place
3 Pollination takes place
4 Fertilization takes place
5 Variation of features is seen in the
offspring.
& Asexual Reproduction
i Involves only one parent
ii Seed formation doesn’t take place.
iii Pollinative doesn’t take place.
iv Fertilization doesn’t take place.
v Variation of features is not seen in the
offspring.

b)

Self-Pollination & Cross Pollination

1 It occurs in the bisexual
flower.
2 It occurs within the flower of
the plant
3 Flowers usually don’t depend
on the other agencies for
pollination
i It occurs mostly in unisexual and bisexual
flower.
ii It occurs between the 2 flowers of the
same type.
iii Agents such as wind, water and insects are
required and insects are required for
ensuring pollination.
Q.3. Explain. How does the process of fertilization take place in a flower?
Ans. i) The fusion of male and female gametes form zygote. This is known as
fertilization.
ii) When pollen falls on the stigma of the pistil, the pollen grows a pollen tube which
passes through the style towards the ovary and enters the ovules.
iii) In the ovary the male gamete from the pollen tube and female gamete in the ovule
combine and form a zygote.
iv) The zygote then forms an embryo.
This is how fertilization takes place in plants. After the fertilization, the ovary grows
into a fruit and other parts of the flower fall off. The seeds develop from the ovules.
Q.4. Describe the various ways by which seeds are dispersed.
Ans. The various ways by which seeds are dispersed are as follows:
i) By wind: The wing seeds such as those of drumstick, maple and light seeds of grass or
hairy seeds of oak and hairy fruits of sunflower get blown off with the wind to far off
places. Eg: dandelion.

ii) By Water: Some seeds are dispersed by water. Some fruits or seeds develop floating
ability in the form of a spongy or fibrous outer coat. Eg: water lily, water hyacinth,
coconut etc.
iii) By Animals: The fruits or seeds with hooks and spines get attached to the bodies of
animals and are carried to distant places. Animals also disperse the seeds through their
dropping Eg : Chilly, ladyfinger, Balsam.

Q.5. Draw and explain the parts of a flower.

i) Calyx: It is made up of leaf-like structures known as sepals.
Its function is to protect the flower in bud condition.
ii) Corolla – It is made up of petals.
It is brightly colored and has the fragrance to attract pollinators.
iii) Androecium: It is made up of stamens. It is the male reproductive
part. Each stamen is made up of anther and filament.
Function: To produce male gametes and participate in the reproduction.
iv) Gynoecium: It is a female reproductive part made up of pistil/ carpel.
Pistil consists of stigma, style and ovary. Ovary contains ovules.
 Function: To produce female gametes and participate in the reproduction.

Q.6. How does the seed dispersal benefit the plants?

Ans .Seed dispersal prevents overcrowding, reducing the competition for sunlight,
water, minerals and salt. It also enables the plant to invade new habitats for wider
distribution.
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