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Plant Reproduction > Research Links
In Chapter 36, you learned that plants are capable of reproducing sexually as well as asexually. Asexual reproduction essentially produces offspring similar to the parent, while sexually reproduced offspring are genetically dissimilar to the parent. In order to undergo reproduction, plants require specialized structures to carry out their particular strategy of reproduction. The following links will lead you to more information about the reproductive process in plants and some of the research on the strategies that some plants employ.
36.1 Plant Reproduction Asexual Propagation in Plants
Scientists and farmers alike have developed means of asexual reproduction in plants and have been practicing their methods for hundreds, if not thousands, of years. This site describes how these researchers perform the different techniques of grafting and budding, layering and micropropagation.
Keywords: tissue culture, grafting, budding, asexual reproduction
Mosses
This site focuses on the asexual proliferation of mosses. Follow the "bryophytes" and "liverworts" links at the top of the page to learn more about the asexual reproduction of these other moss-like plants.
Keywords: mosses, vegetative reproduction, bryophytes, liverworts
Plant Hybridization
Gregor Mendel, most famous for his founding work in genetics, was also an avid plant hybridist (in fact, most of his genetics work was drawn from hybridization studies). This site on Mendel’s hybridization work includes an article written by Mendel in 1865 that details his landmark research on plant hybridization.
Keywords: Mendel, hybridization, plant genetics
36.2 Reproductive Structures
Plant Biology
This site provides a variety of information about plants, including their reproductive structures and physiology. Follow the reproduction links to compare reproduction in the gymnosperms and angiosperms.
Keywords: gymnosperms, angiosperms, pollination, germination
36.3 Pollination and Fertilization
Honeybee Pollination
Many flowering plants have evolved complex methods of getting pollen from one genetic individual to another, often entering into symbiotic relationships with various animal species. This site focuses on the relationships between different kinds of flowering plants and pollinating honeybees.
Keywords: bees, pollination, coevolution
Pollination Management
Since many species of fruit-bearing flowering plants are important to agriculture, some research has recently focused on the pollination of these flowers. This site describes how pollination is important in producing quality fruits and vegetables. Follow the link at the bottom to learn some basic suggestions in pollination management.
Keywords: pollination, bees, agriculture
Crop Plant Pollination
Pollination is a critical step in producing fruits that are worthy of human consumption. This virtual book written in 1976 by a U.S. Department of Agriculture employee, S. E. McGregor, details a number of critical steps in the pollination process. Follow the links under the introduction heading to learn more about the economics of plant pollination.
Keywords: pollination, flowering, bees, crops
36.4 The Seed
Seed Germination by Wildfire Smoke
Seeds respond to certain hormones and stimuli in order to initiate the germination process. This long article discusses how plants have adapted seeds that are not only fire resistant but also are stimulated to germinate after the fire stops.
Keywords: germination, heat shock, seeds
Germination Strategies
Germination is a tightly regulated process, often requiring seed dormancy and some stimulus to initiate germination. This site, supported by a seed company, describes and recommends some of the different methods used to get seeds to germinate.
Keywords: germination, seed dormancy
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