Reproduction of Plants

Sexual reproduction is one of the major characteristics of eukaryotes and involves a regular alternation between meiosis and fertilization. This course focuses on the basic principles of plant reproduction and the evolution of reproductive strategies in mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms. This knowledge is used as basis to understand the concepts that underlie sexual reproduction in dicot and monocot angiosperm species. Topics including flower induction, flower development, fertilization, embryogenesis, seed development and dispersal, and fruit-development are covered.
This course aims to develop insight into evolutionary, regulatory and structural aspects of the reproductive strategies of plants. During the practicals experimental techniques used to obtain insight in structural aspects and developmental processes associated with plant reproduction are taught and practiced. These activities aim to prepare students to independently interpret reproductive strategies of any plant species.

• Recognize and describe the reproductive structures of mosses, ferns, gymnosperms and angiosperms (dicots, eudicots and monocots)

• Describe the main evolutionary steps in reproductive strategy, plant structure and anatomy from mosses to angiosperms

• Make and interpret (microscopical) preparations of plants from different evolutionary groups with a focus on their reproductive structures and document the findings

• Apply methods of investigation in cell biological and structural studies in the field of plant reproduction

• Explain how the reproductive strategies of plants constrain their habitats

• Design, carry out, interpret and document experiments in the field of reproductive strategies of plants

• Performance (0%) All practicals have to be successfully completed to finish the course. A catch up afternoon will be organized towards the end of the period. Any remaining tasks will have to be completed during the next academic year or by replacement exercises at the discretion of the course coordinator.
• Written test with closed questions (100%) Computer exam, consisting of closed questions (multiple choice, drag and drop, match, etc.).

ZSS06100 Laboratory Safety, ZSS06200 Fieldwork Safety PPH10806 Structure and Function of Plants.

• A textbook: Authors Evert, R.F.; Eichhorn, S.E. (2013). Raven - Biology of Plants, 8th ed., 727 [116] p. ISBN-13: 978-1-4292-1961-7, a syllabus with study guide and and exercise book will be used. The syllabus and exercise book will be provided before the first lecture at a charge of approximately 17.50 euro's.