Female Gametes and Male Reproductive System

This page focuses on the female gamete $egg cell or ovum$ and the male reproductive system. The egg cell is described as much larger than the sperm cell, with a significant food store in its cytoplasm to support early embryo development.

Highlight: Egg cells $ova$ are much larger than sperm cells due to their large food store in the cytoplasm, which enables efficient growth of the embryo.

The male reproductive system is then detailed, including the following structures:

1. Prostate: Produces seminal fluid to nourish and transport sperm
2. Sperm ducts: Move sperm from the testicles to the urethra
3. Penis: Transports sperm into the female vagina during intercourse
4. Testis: Produces sperm and synthesizes testosterone

Vocabulary: The prostate gland produces seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.

Female Reproductive System

This page describes the female reproductive system in detail. The main components discussed are:

1. Ovary: Produces eggs and releases one monthly for about 40 years after puberty. It also produces estrogen and progesterone hormones.
2. Oviduct $Fallopian tube$: Transports ova from the ovary to the uterus each month.
3. Uterus: Holds and nourishes the developing fetus prior to birth.
4. Cervix: Separates the uterus from the vagina, allowing fluid flow and opening during childbirth.
5. Vagina: Receives the penis during intercourse, holds sperm, and provides a passageway for menstrual flow and childbirth.

Definition: The ovary is the female reproductive organ that produces eggs and releases one approximately once a month for about 40 years after puberty. It also produces the hormones estrogen and progesterone.

Highlight: The female reproductive system consists of several specialized organs, each playing a crucial role in the process of reproduction and fetal development.

Fertilization and Types

This page explains the process of fertilization and its types. Fertilization is defined as the fusion of nuclei from two haploid gametes to produce a diploid zygote, which then divides to form an embryo.

Definition: Fertilization is the fusion of the nuclei of two haploid gametes to produce a diploid zygote, which divides to form an embryo.

The page distinguishes between two types of fertilization:

1. Internal fertilization: Occurs inside the female's body, produces few eggs, has high chances of fertilization, and usually involves significant parental care.
2. External fertilization: Occurs outside the parents' bodies, produces many eggs, has lower chances of fertilization, and typically involves little to no parental care.

Example: Humans undergo internal fertilization, while many fish species use external fertilization.

The page also includes a diagram showing the process of fertilization, from the fusion of sperm and egg cells to the formation of a zygote and embryo.

Highlight: The process of fertilization in humans involves the fusion of a sperm cell $23 chromosomes$ and an egg cell $23 chromosomes$ to form a zygote with 46 chromosomes.

Reproduction in Flowering Plants

This page details the reproductive structures and processes in flowering plants. It describes various parts of a flower and their functions:

1. Petals: Brightly colored to attract pollinators
2. Stigma: Sticky bulb that collects pollen and initiates growth
3. Ovary: Produces female gametes $ovules$
4. Anther: Produces male gametes $pollen$
5. Stamen: Male reproductive organ consisting of anther and filament
6. Nectary: Produces sugary nectar to attract pollinators

Vocabulary: In plants, the female gamete is called an ovule, while the male gamete is pollen.

Definition: The stamen is the male reproductive organ of flowering plants, consisting of an anther for pollen development and a filament which transmits water and nutrients, and aids in positioning for pollination.

Pollination in Flowering Plants

This final page focuses on pollination in flowering plants. Pollination is defined as the transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another. The page distinguishes between two types of pollination: self-pollination and cross-pollination.

Definition: Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another.

The page compares insect-pollinated and wind-pollinated flowers:

1. Insect-pollinated flowers: Brightly colored, strong scent, stamens inside the flower
2. Wind-pollinated flowers: Not brightly colored, no scent, stamens outside the flower

Example: Sexual reproduction in plants often involves pollination, where pollen $male gamete$ is transferred to the stigma, and the male nucleus travels down the pollen tube to fertilize the female nucleus in the ovule.

The page concludes with a diagram illustrating the process of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants.

Highlight: Understanding the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction in plants is crucial for comprehending plant biology and ecology.

Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

This page introduces the two main types of reproduction: sexual and asexual. Sexual reproduction involves two parents and the fusion of specialized sex cells called gametes. This process results in offspring that are similar but not identical to their parents. The page explains that human body cells contain 46 chromosomes in two sets, while gametes contain only 23 chromosomes.

Definition: Sexual reproduction is a process requiring two parents, where each parent has sex organs that produce specialized sex cells called gametes that fuse in fertilization, mixing genetic information from both parents to form an embryo.

The page also describes the structure of male gametes $sperm cells$ in detail. Sperm cells have a head containing the nucleus, a midpiece with mitochondria for energy, and a tail for movement.

Vocabulary: Gametes are specialized reproductive cells that contain half the number of chromosomes found in body cells.

Example: In humans, body cells $diploid$ have 46 chromosomes, while gametes $haploid$ have 23 chromosomes.