Asexual Reproduction in Plants Learning Goal I will

Asexual Reproduction in Plants Learning Goal: I will be able to explain what asexual reproduction is in plants, be able to provide examples (stem cutting/grafting), as well as define what the benefits/costs are, and what the scion and stock are.

Asexual vs Sexual Reproduction • Sexual reproduction requires fusion of male cells in the pollen grain with female cells in the ovule. • Asexual reproduction is natural “cloning. ” Parts of the plant, such as leaves or stems, produce roots and become an independent plant.

Asexual Reproduction List some advantages and drawbacks to asexual reproduction.

Vegetative Reproduction • Vegetative Reproduction (aka farmers using asexual reproduction in plants) • Some plants can grow from roots, stems, and leaves. • Bulbs and tubers are underground stem structures that can grow to form new plants. • Examples include tulips, potatoes, strawberries, irises.

Vegetative Reproduction • Runner (stolon): Stem that grows sideways along the surface of the ground. • Runners have buds that can grow into new plants when they contact soil. • Ex. Strawberry plants, hens and chicks, spider plant

Vegetative Reproduction • Tubers: Enlarged portion of an underground rhizome that contains stored nutrients (starch). • Potatoes can be cut into pieces with each piece having an “eye” which can grow into a new potato plant.

Methods of Artificial Vegetative Reproduction Cutting: Any vegetative part of a plant (stem, leaf, root) that is used to make a new plant. Grafting: Stem or bud is removed from one plant and permanently joined to the stem of another closely related plant. Many fruits and roses are propagated using grafting.

Grafting consists of two parts, the stock and the scion SCION STOCK

How Did We Do? Learning Goal: I will be able to explain what asexual reproduction is in plants, be able to provide examples (stem cutting/grafting), as well as define what the benefits/costs are, and what the scion and stock are.