3.3a

3.3 Describe the structures of an insect-pollinated flower and explain it is adapted for pollination

Insect-pollinated flower

Pollen needs to be transferred from the anther to another flower’s stigma.

Pollen is a small structure that contains the male nuclei.

This transfer takes place by insects.

It is important for the first flower to attract insects and have a reason to go to the second flower.

Pollen transfer from one plant to another: cross pollination

In a single flower, there are other ways to attract insects:

1)     Signals to the insects: coloured petals, scents – insects detect the molecules and are attracted

2)     Value to the insect going to the flower: food – nectarine à fructose and pollen itself

Stamen: male part of the plant – anther, filament. The stalk underneath the anther is filament. The anther produces pollen grains.

Carpel: Female part – stigma (pollen grains fall here), style (connects stigma to the ovary), ovary (contain eggs – ovules)