Structure and Function of the

Flower

CXC Biology Syllabus

Life Processes
Specific Objectives 9.6&9.7

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 Section A:

Flower Structure
Science Objectives:
Students should be able to
• Recognize specified floral parts on most flowers
• Relate each part to its function
• Distinguish between staminate, pistillate/carpellate and
hermaphrodite flowers
Core Skills Objectives:
• Co-operation/Group work
• Drawing
CXC Practical Skills
• Drawing
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 Structure and Function of the Flower Quiz #1
1. What is the male part of the flower called?
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2. What is the main function of a flower?

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3. What is the function of the carpel?

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4. Give one example of a hermaphrodite flower

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5. Name the flower structures which protect the young flower bud.
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Use the following to label the flower diagram below:
Style, stamen, sepal, filament, peduncle, ovary, anther, receptacle, carpel,
stigma, petal, ovule.

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 What is a Flower?
• Plant organ for sexual reproduction

• Flowers produce gametes (sex cells)

• Flowers are necessary for fertilisation to

occur

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Flower Diagram

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 Parts of the Flower
• Peduncle: flower stalk
• Receptacle: part of stalk bearing the floral organs, at base of flower
• Sepal:leaflike structures at flower base, protects young flower bud
• Calyx: all the sepals together form the calyx
• Petal: located inside and above the sepals, often large and colourful,
sometimes scented, sometimes producing nectar
• Stamen: male part of the flower, consist of the anther and filament, makes
pollen grains
• Pollen: grains containing the male gametes
• Pistil/Carpel: female part of the flower, consist of the stigma, style and ovary
• Ovule: located in the ovaries, carry female gametes
• Staminate flower: flower bearing only male parts
• Pistillate/Carpellate flower: flower bearing only female sex parts
• Hermaphrodite flower: flower bearing both male and female sex parts

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 Method
1. Collect specimens of the following flowers (your guide will
show you where and which flowers to collect!)
• Pride of Barbados
• Hibiscus
• Orchid
• Flower of choice
2. Make a labeled drawing of the Pride of Barbados and Hibiscus
flowers (use the flower diagram as a guide, include
magnification, labels in script)
3. Dissect the Pride of Barbados flower ( a demonstration will be
given)
4. Make individual drawings of the petals, sepals, stamens, and
pistils/carpels
5. Dissect the pistil/carpel and make a labeled drawing of the ovary
and the ovules lying within it
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 Section B
Pollination
Science Objectives:
Students should be able to:
• Define pollination
• State the main ways in which plants achieve pollination
• Recognize flower adaptations associated with each mode
of pollination
Core Skills targeted
• Drawing
• Information Technology
CXC Practical Skills
• Analysis and Interpretation
• Drawing

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 Mode of Pollination
1. Insect-pollinated flowers may have:
• Brightly coloured petals
• Strong sweet fragrance
• Nectar producing glands
• Guidelines to lead insects to Nectar
2. Wind-pollinated flowers may have:
• Large stigmas outside the flower
• Little or no fragrance
• Light non-sticky pollen
• Lack showy petals

3. Bird-pollinated flowers may have:

• Long tube shaped flowers
• Bright red and yellow flowers
• No odour
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 Mode of Pollination (Continued)

4. Mammal-pollinated flowers may

have:
• White flowers
• Strong fruity odour
• Flowers opening at night

5. Water-pollinated flowers may have:

• Pollen which floats on water
(this form of pollination is rare)

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 Method
1. Research and define the following terms in the Iris
Bannochie library and on the Internet
• Pollination
• Self-pollination
• Cross-pollination
2. Note the ways in which pollination may occur
3. Identify the various adaptations associated with each
form of pollination
4. Collect flower specimens from the gardens and
determine their method of pollination through
completion of the Mode of Pollination Table

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 Mode of Pollination Table

Flower Light non- Sticky Colourful Sweet Tube Mode of

Name sticky Pollen Petals Scented Shaped Pollination
Pollen

 denotes a positive response

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 Assessment Scheme for Drawing
Element Criteria Sub-Total Total
Clarity Clean continuous lines of even thickness Any 3=2  
  No shading or unnecessary detail   2 marks
  Reasonable size Any 2=1  
       
Accuracy Faithfulness of reproduction 1  
  Structures typical of specimen included 1 3 marks
  Reasonable proportions 1  
       
Labeling/ Neat drawn with a ruler; in pencil; not crossing 1  
Labeling lines No arrowheads; touching labeled structure
  Labels in script 1 2 marks
       
Labels accurate     1 mark

       
Acceptable title Accurate description of specimen    
  In caps Any 2=1 1 mark
  Below drawing    
       
Magnification     1 mark
       
Total     10 marks
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Use the following to label the flower diagram below:
Style, stamen, sepal, filament, peduncle, ovary, anther, receptacle, carpel,
stigma, petal, ovule.

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 Structure and Function of the Flower Quiz #2 Pollination
1. Write a short definition for the word pollination.

2. Why is pollination important to plants?

3. State three ways in which pollination can be achieved.

4. State a plant adaptation associated with each mode of pollination above

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 Analysis and Interpretation of the Pollination Exercise
Background Information/Biological principles. (3 marks)
Relationship to Investigation/Observation.
• State the significance of pollination
• Identify the flower structures which play the key role in pollination
• Note how these structures are adapted to their role

Explanation/Interpretations of result. (3-4 marks)

• Give reasons for interpretation of specified result

Conclusion based on observation/data

Related to Aim (2 marks)
• Correct conclusions drawn

Limitations (1-2marks)
• Limitations of the results/conclusions stated

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