Unveiling Sexual Reproduction in Nature

1. It Takes two!!! Sexual Reproduction

2. Types of Sexual reproduction • Zygospores • A reproductive part of a fungus or mould • The hypha is a long branching filament of the fungus • The nuclei of two hyphae join to create a zygospore • When conditions are right (warmth, moisture, etc.), the zygospore germinates and creates a new fungus.

3. Bacterial conjugation • Bacteria are able to directly transfer genetic material from one cell to another. • New characteristics may be created by the combination. • New cells with the changes will be created through binary fission

4. Sexual reproduction in plants • Female part of the plant – pistil • Pistil – stigma – where the pollen grains land, style – the connecting tube from the stigma to the ovary, ovary – where the egg is located • Male part of the plant – stamen • Stamen – filament – the support, anther - the “bulb” that produces the pollen

6. When the pollen and egg unite, the fertilized egg is called a zygote. • When the zygote undergoes cell divisions, the multicellular organism is now called an embryo. • Self-pollination – both male and female parts are on the same plant • Cross-pollination – male and female parts are on separate plants.

7. Sexual Reproduction in Animals • Also involve sex cells (sperm and egg). Called gametes. • Fertilization may occur inside (humans) or outside (frogs) of the female • Advantages?? Disadvantages??