Reproduction

ReporductionThe cells in the bodies of most multicellular organisms are diploidDiploid - two matching sets of chromosomesMulticellular organisms produce sex cells called gametes which are haploid.Haploid - one set of chromosomesGametes are either male or female.Reproduction in flowering plantsIn flowering plants the gametes are produced in the flowers. Male gametes are inside the pollen grains in the anthers of flowers.Female gametes are inside the ovules produced in the ovariesDuring pollination, pollen grains are carried by wind or animals and land on the stigma of a flower where they germinate. A pollen tube grows into the ovary, where it reaches an ovule. The nucleus of the pollen grain then passes along the pollen tube and joins with a nucleus in the ovule. The fusion of haploid gametes produces a diploid zygote.

Reproduction in animalsIn animals, gametes are produced in specialised organs. Male gametes are sperm cells and produced in the testesFemale gametes are called ova and are produced in the ovaries.

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