Textbook Question
Human embryonic stem cells are capable of forming all types of cells in the human body. How are these cells similar to meristem cells in plants?
Ch. 38 - Flowering Plant Reproduction and Development
Freeman8th EditionBiological ScienceISBN: 9780138276263
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Table of contents
- Ch. 1 - Biology: The Study of Life13
- Ch. 2 - Water and Carbon: The Chemical Basis of Life14
- Ch.3 - Protein Structure and Function10
- Ch.4 - Nucleic Acids and the RNA World10
- Ch. 5 - An Introduction to Carbohydrates10
- Ch. 6 - Lipids, Membranes, and the First Cells11
- Ch. 7 - Inside the Cell10
- Ch. 8 - Energy and Enzymes: An Introduction to Metabolism10
- Ch. 9 - Cellular Respiration and Fermentation11
- Ch. 10 - Photosynthesis12
- Ch. 11 - Cell-Cell Interactions12
- Ch. 12 - The Cell Cycle8
- Ch. 13 - Meiosis12
- Ch. 14 - Mendel and the Gene23
- Ch. 15 - DNA and the Gene: Synthesis and Repair15
- Ch. 16 - How Genes Work16
- Ch. 17 - Transcription, RNA Processing, and Translation16
- Ch. 18 - Control of Gene Expression in Bacteria16
- Ch. 19 - Control of Gene Expression in Eukaryotes12
- Ch. 20 - The Molecular Revolution: Biotechnology, Genomics, and New Frontiers15
- Ch. 21 - Genes, Development, and Evolution12
- Ch. 22 - Evolution by Natural Selection16
- Ch. 23 - Evolutionary Processes13
- Ch. 24 - Speciation15
- Ch. 25 - Phylogenies and the History of Life13
- Ch. 26 - Bacteria and Archaea15
- Ch. 27 - Diversification of Eukaryotes16
- Ch. 28 - Green Algae and Land Plants16
- Ch. 29 - Fungi18
- Ch. 30 - An Introduction to Animals9
- Ch. 31 - Protostome Animals15
- Ch. 32 - Deuterostome Animals17
- Ch. 33 - Viruses16
- Ch. 34 - Plant Form and Function16
- Ch. 35 - Water and Sugar Transport in Plants16
- Ch. 36 - Plant Nutrition13
- Ch. 37 - Plant Sensory Systems, Signals, and Responses16
- Ch. 38 - Flowering Plant Reproduction and Development16
- Ch. 39 - Animal Form and Function17
- Ch. 40 - Water and Electrolyte Balance in Animals16
- Ch. 41 - Animal Nutrition16
- Ch. 42 - Gas Exchange and Circulation16
- Ch. 43 - Animal Nervous Systems16
- Ch. 44 - Animal Sensory Systems16
- Ch. 45 - Animal Movement11
- Ch. 46 - Chemical Signals in Animals16
- Ch. 47 - Animal Reproduction and Development16
- Ch. 48 - The Immune System in Animals16
- Ch. 49 - An Introduction to Ecology15
- Ch. 50 - Behavioral Ecology16
- Ch. 51 - Population Ecology16
- Ch. 52 - Community Ecology20
- Ch. 53 - Ecosystems and Global Ecology17
- Ch. 54 - Biodiversity and Conservation Ecology18
Chapter 38, Problem 11
Most flowering plants can achieve pollination in several different ways. Those that produce pollen and carpels on the same plant may be self-pollinated, but they may also be cross-pollinated by insects or other pollinators. The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) shown here is able to produce seed whether it is self- or cross-pollinated.
Is one type of pollination better for reproductive success than the other?
Considering the gooseberry flower shown here, what types of cues might attract bees to the plant?
What type of rewards do bees seek?
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the concept of pollination: Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male part of a flower (anther) to the female part (stigma). This can occur within the same flower (self-pollination) or between different flowers (cross-pollination). Each method has its advantages and disadvantages for reproductive success.
Evaluate the benefits of self-pollination: Self-pollination ensures that a plant can reproduce even in the absence of pollinators. It can be advantageous in stable environments where the plant's genetic traits are well-suited to the conditions. However, it may lead to less genetic diversity, which can be a disadvantage in changing environments.
Assess the advantages of cross-pollination: Cross-pollination increases genetic diversity, which can enhance a plant's ability to adapt to changing environments and resist diseases. It often relies on external agents like insects, wind, or animals to transfer pollen, which can be a limitation if these agents are scarce.
Identify cues that attract bees: Bees are attracted to flowers by visual cues such as bright colors and patterns, as well as olfactory cues like sweet fragrances. The cape gooseberry flower may have specific colors or scents that are particularly appealing to bees.
Determine the rewards bees seek: Bees typically seek nectar and pollen as rewards. Nectar provides a source of energy, while pollen is a protein-rich food. Flowers like the cape gooseberry may offer these rewards to entice bees to visit and facilitate cross-pollination.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Pollination Types
Pollination can occur through self-pollination, where pollen from the same plant fertilizes its ovules, or cross-pollination, where pollen from one plant fertilizes another. Self-pollination ensures reproduction even in isolation, while cross-pollination increases genetic diversity, potentially enhancing adaptability and survival.
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Pollination
Pollinator Attraction Cues
Plants use various cues to attract pollinators, such as color, scent, and shape. Brightly colored petals and sweet fragrances can lure bees, while specific flower shapes may facilitate easier access to nectar. These cues are crucial for ensuring effective pollination and subsequent seed production.
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Pollinator Rewards
Pollinators, like bees, seek rewards such as nectar and pollen. Nectar provides a sugar-rich energy source, while pollen offers protein. These rewards incentivize pollinators to visit flowers, aiding in the transfer of pollen and enhancing the plant's reproductive success through effective pollination.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Consider the following fruits: an acorn, a cherry, a burr, and a dandelion seed. Based on the structure of each of these fruits, predict how the seed is dispersed.
Design a study that would estimate the average distance that each type of seed is dispersed from the parent plant.
Textbook Question
Make a sketch of a simplified flower with all four organs, and indicate how the pattern of expression for just two genes (e.g., 'D' and 'E') could, hypothetically, regulate the development of each organ.
Consider that what's important is whether a gene is on or off and that a structure can be specified when neither gene is expressed.
Textbook Question
Most flowering plants can achieve pollination in several different ways. Those that produce pollen and carpels on the same plant may be self-pollinated, but they may also be cross-pollinated by insects or other pollinators. The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) shown here is able to produce seed whether it is self- or cross-pollinated.
Is one type of pollination better for reproductive success than the other?
Researchers conducted controlled experiments to test for effects of different types of pollination on cape gooseberry fruit size and seed production. The types of pollination included self-pollination, cross-pollination by bees, and manual cross-pollination (transferring pollen from one plant to another by hand). Results are shown in the graphs here. Compared to self-pollination, do bees have a significant impact on fruit mass?
How about on seed formation?
Textbook Question
Most flowering plants can achieve pollination in several different ways. Those that produce pollen and carpels on the same plant may be self-pollinated, but they may also be cross-pollinated by insects or other pollinators. The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) shown here is able to produce seed whether it is self- or cross-pollinated.
Is one type of pollination better for reproductive success than the other?
Why might it be advantageous for plants to promote cross-pollination?
What are the advantages of self-pollination?
Textbook Question
Most flowering plants can achieve pollination in several different ways. Those that produce pollen and carpels on the same plant may be self-pollinated, but they may also be cross-pollinated by insects or other pollinators. The cape gooseberry (Physalis peruviana) shown here is able to produce seed whether it is self- or cross-pollinated.
Is one type of pollination better for reproductive success than the other?
In general, larger fruits tend to earn higher profits for farmers who grow cape gooseberries as a crop.
Compared to self-pollinated flowers, what is the approximate percentage of difference in fruit size of bee-pollinated flowers?