The Amazing Journey of Plant Reproduction
Why Do Plants Reproduce?
All living things reproduce to make sure their kind does not die out.
When plants reproduce, they make new plants that share many of the same characteristics as the parent plant.
The cell is the basic building block of all living things.
In plants, special reproductive cells take part in the process of making new plants.
Flowering Plants: How They Reproduce
1. Pollination – Moving the Pollen
Reproduction in flowering plants begins with pollination.
This happens when pollen grains from the anther (male part of the flower) are transferred to the stigma (female part of the flower).
Types of Pollination:
- Self-pollination: Pollen moves from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
- Cross-pollination: Pollen moves from one plant to a flower on another plant of the same kind.
Agents of Pollination:
- Wind – e.g. grass, maize
- Insects – e.g. hibiscus, rose
- Other animals – e.g. birds, bats
👉 Pollination is important because it allows fertilisation to happen.
2. Fertilisation – Making Seeds
After pollination, fertilisation takes place.
A male reproductive cell from the pollen fuses with a female reproductive cell (ovule) inside the ovary.
This process forms a seed, which contains a tiny embryo (baby plant) and stored food for growth.
Parts involved in reproduction:
- Stamen – male part (anther + filament)
- Pistil – female part (stigma + style + ovary)
- Ovary – contains ovules
- Ovule – becomes a seed after fertilisation
3. Seed Dispersal – Spreading Out
If all seeds fell and grew under the parent plant, they would have to compete for sunlight, water, and space.
That’s why seeds need to be dispersed (spread out).
| Method | Example | How it works |
|---|---|---|
| Wind | Dandelion, Angsana | Seeds are light or have wing-like structures to float in air. Wing-like structures help increase the seed’s surface area and resistance to air allowing it to stay afloat in the air longer. |
| Water | Coconut | Seeds have – fibrous husk that traps air allowing it to float and carried by water – outer layer that is waterproof so that it won’t sink |
| Animals | Rambutan, Mango | Animals eat the fruit and drop or pass out the indigestible seeds. |
| Animals | Mimosa, Love grass | Seeds hook on animal’s fur and dropped off when they move around. |
| Splitting (Explosive action) | Pea pod, Balsam | Fruits split / explosive action and scatter the seeds. |
4. Germination – A New Plant is Born
When a seed lands in a suitable place, it germinates (starts to grow).
For germination to happen, the seed needs:
- Water – to soften the seed coat and start growth
- Oxygen – for respiration (energy release)
- Warmth – for enzyme activity and growth
During germination:
- The root grows downward to absorb water.
- The shoot grows upward towards sunlight.
Eventually, the young plant becomes an adult plant, ready to reproduce again.
Other Ways Plants Reproduce
Not all plants make seeds.
Some plants like ferns and mosses reproduce using spores.
Spores are tiny reproductive cells that can grow into new plants when they land in a moist, shady place.
Some plants also reproduce asexually (without seeds):
- Runner – e.g. strawberry
- Stem cutting – e.g. money plant
- Bulb – e.g. onion
In Summary
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Pollination | Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma |
| Fertilisation | Fusion of male and female cells to form a seed |
| Seed Dispersal | Spreading seeds away from parent plant |
| Germination | Growth of a seed into a young plant |
| Spore / Asexual Reproduction | Other ways plants make new plants |
Plants reproduce to ensure their survival and to continue their kind.
Without plant reproduction, there would be no plants for animals (including humans) to depend on for food and oxygen!
Quick Revision Challenge!
Click here to grab your FREE Primary 5 Reproduction in Plants Worksheet!
Includes:
- Multiple Choice Questions
- Fill in the Blanks
- Match the Columns
- Short Answer Questions
- BONUS Higher-Order Thinking Question!
Help your child master reproduction in plants concepts and feel confident in science!
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