3.3a Insect Pollination

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

The process of pollination:

·         In a flower pollen grains are transferred from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower.

(Pollen is a structure containing the male nuclei)

·         The transfer takes place by insects; therefore it is necessary to attract insects. The transfer of pollen from one plant to another is called cross pollination.

·         Adaptations to attract insects

1) Signal to the insects by the use of coloured petals

2) Scents; insects can detect the scent of the flower

3) Value is provided in the form of food

·         Nectaries produce a sugar called fructose. Pollen acts as a source of protein

·         In a petal it contains the:

Male parts:                                                                                                                        

Stamen

Anther (pollen grains)

Filament (stalk)

Female parts:

Stigma 

Style (connect to the stigma)

Ovary (contains ovules)

The whole structure is known as the CARPEL