THE LIFE CYCLE OF PLANTS

THE LIFE CYCLE OF PLANTS

By Dr. Kyle Muller

Know the cycle of plants’ life, or also called life cycle or biological cycle of plantsIt is very useful for agricultural and gardening practices, since it allows the most of the stages of different types of plants, contributing to favor their growth and development and even reproduction. It is also something basic about biology of plants that should be learned and that, in fact, is studied in schools.

In Ecology Verde we want to help you understand this process and, therefore, in this article we explain to you What is the life cycle of plants in a simple way and with examples and schemes. In addition, we will talk about the life cycle of flowers with flowers and without them.

Plants reproduction

He Plant life cycle It consists of the different phases and stages through which the plant passes throughout its life. This cycle varies depending on the species in question and its mode of reproduction. Thus, there are different Types of plants that are reproduced differently; specifically, by sexual reproduction or asexual reproduction:

  • Sexual reproduction: Most plants reproduce sexually. It is characterized by the existence of differentiated sexes, so that, when the sperm comes into contact with the plant’s ovule, a seed will form that will lead to a new plant.
  • Asexual reproduction: This mode of reproduction is much simpler than the previous one, since the plant is able to reproduce on its own, being able to divide and give rise to a new one.

The plants' life cycle - plants reproduction

The life cycle of the plants with sexual reproduction – how they grow

1. Seed

It can be considered First or last phase of the life cycle of the plants that reproduce in a sexual way. We can find different types of seeds, and these can present different forms and structures. The seeds of angiosperms plants, for example, are contained within a fleshy coating, which we know as fruit, as in the case of apples. On the other hand, gymnosperms plants show bare seeds without any protection.

2. germination

For a germine seed to have the appropriate conditions such as, have a good substrate, an adequate temperature, water and light. In this way, when the seed has appropriate conditions it begins to germinate. The stem begins to develop towards the sky in search of light while the root begins to develop towards the earth to get nutrients and water.

3. Growth

In plant growth, photosynthesis It occupies a fundamental role. It consists of a process in which plants are capable of transforming sunlight, carbon dioxide of air, water and nutrients in energy. Thanks to this energy the plant can grow. During this growth, the roots continue to grow, the stems developing and the first leaves and flowers arise.

4. Reproduction or pollination

In the flowers are the sexual organs of the plants, a male part called stamen and a female part known as pistil. When the pollen contained in the stamens comes into contact with the ovulus found in the pistil, it is considered that the plant has been fertilized and a new seed will be formed.

There are different mechanisms that favor this contact, such as the movement of insects or birds that perch on flowers. The pollen is usually stuck to their legs and when they perch in the next flower comes into contact with the pistil. This is one of the reasons why flowers have pleasant color petals and aromas, in order to attract animals and attract them. In this other ecology article, we talk about what are the pollinating insects and their importance.

5. Seed dispersion

Once the seed has been formed, it will be necessary for these to be dispersed in search of territories where they can germinate. This dispersion can be carried out thanks to the wind, to the water and the animals, which can transport the seeds or stuck to their skin or even in the stool, when they feed on the fruits and then discard the remains.

He plants reproductive process It is repeated throughout all their life, until they die, either due to problems and circumstances of the environment or by aging, ending like this THE LIFE CYCLE OF PLANTS.

The plant's life cycle - the life cycle of plants with sexual reproduction - how they grow

The life cycle of the plants with asexual reproduction

In the case of plants that reproduce in a asexual way The cycle is different, this process being much simpler.

In The life cycle of asexual plantsthe new plant is born from another, being initially a small part or fragment of that plant and becoming a completely independent organism. Therefore in this case there is no need for sexual organs to come into contact or that there is a genetic exchange.

This reproduction can take place through graftsfragments of the stem of the plant that is introduced into another stem of the same or of different species, cuttingsstems that are arranged in wet land where new roots or ACODOSwhich consists of burying the part of a plant and waiting for it to grow.

If you want to read more articles similar to THE LIFE CYCLE OF PLANTSwe recommend that you enter our biology category.

Kyle Muller
About the author
Dr. Kyle Muller
Dr. Kyle Mueller is a Research Analyst at the Harris County Juvenile Probation Department in Houston, Texas. He earned his Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from Texas State University in 2019, where his dissertation was supervised by Dr. Scott Bowman. Dr. Mueller's research focuses on juvenile justice policies and evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing recidivism among youth offenders. His work has been instrumental in shaping data-driven strategies within the juvenile justice system, emphasizing rehabilitation and community engagement.
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