Introduction to Reproduction in Plants

Reproduction may be described as the process by which an offspring (new organism) is produced. Plants may reproduce asexually and sexually.  Some plants may utilize both means of reproduction depending on the circumstances. In asexual reproduction, there are usually no gametes involved and one plant will produce an offspring on its own.

Asexual methods of reproduction include:

-Mitosis

-Binary fission

-Vegetative propagation

On the contrary, sexual reproduction involves gametes which must be fertilized. In many instances, there is also pollination before fertilization occurs. Sexual reproduction may involve one or two plants. However, it is important to note that cross breeding is not a very natural occurrence although it may be performed in laboratories. This means that it is very unlikely for different species to fertilize each other.