What is the function of tassels in the corn cob?
To trap pollen grains
To disperse pollen grains
To protect seeds
To attract insects
The Correct Option is B
Approach Solution - 1
- Tassels are the male reproductive structures located at the top of plants.
- The function of tassels is to produce male gamete pollens, which carry male gametes inside them.
- When the pollens mature, they are released from the tassels
- These pollens are carried by wind to the silks of corn.
- Each silk is attached to the female reproductive structure.
- Pollen grains land on silk and reach the inner part, where ovules are present.
- Pollens fertilize the ovules and produce kernels on corn cobs.
- Generally, in corn plants, the male and female reproductive parts are present on the same plant; hence, they are called “monoecious plants.”.
So, the correct option is (B): To disperse pollen grains.
Approach Solution -2
Tassels in the corn cob serve the function of releasing pollen grains into the air, allowing them to be dispersed by the wind. This process is crucial for pollination, as it enables the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive structures (tassels) to the female reproductive structures (silks) on the ears of corn, leading to fertilization and seed development. Therefore, the primary function of tassels is to disperse pollen grains for successful reproduction in corn plants.
So, the correct option is (B): To disperse pollen grains.
Top Questions on sexual reproduction in flowering plants
- (a) A bilobed dithecous anther has 200 microspore mother cells per microsporangium. How many male gametophytes can be produced by this anther?
(b) Write the composition of intine and exine layers of a pollen grain.
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
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Flowering plants with hermaphrodite flowers have developed many reproductive strategies to ensure cross-pollination. Study the given outbreeding devices adopted by certain flowering plants and answer the questions that follow.
Note : All plants belong to the same species. No pollen tube growth/inhibition of pollen germination on stigma. Pollen germination on stigma.- [(a)] Name and define the outbreeding device described in the above table.
- [(b)] Explain what would have been the disadvantage to the plant in the absence of the given strategy.
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
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Student to attempt either option (A) or (B).
(A)
(i) Describe the process of megasporogenesis in an angiosperm.
(ii) Draw a diagram of a mature embryo sac of the angiosperm. Label its any four parts.
OR
(B) The reproductive cycle in the female primates is called menstrual cycle. The first menstruation begins at puberty.
Answer the following questions:
(i) Name the four phases of menstrual cycle in a proper sequence.
(ii) How long does the menstrual phase last in a menstrual cycle?
(iii) When and why hormones estrogen and progesterone reach their peak levels respectively, in the menstrual cycle?
(iv) Give the significance of LH surge.- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
- Biology
- sexual reproduction in flowering plants
Answer the following questions:
[(i)] Explain the structure of a mature embryo sac of a typical flowering plant.
[(ii)] How is triple fusion achieved in these plants?
OR
[(i)] Describe the changes in the ovary and the uterus as induced by the changes in the level of pituitary and ovarian hormones during menstrual cycle in a human female.
- CBSE CLASS XII - 2025
- Biology
- sexual reproduction in flowering plants
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Concepts Used:
Flower
A flower is a modified shoot. A flower bud is formed when shoot apical meristem in angiospermous plants gets transformed into floral meristem and leaves transform into floral appendages.
In angiosperms, flowers are the reproductive units and they are meant for sexual reproduction. A typical flower possesses four types of floral organs or whorls — sepals (calyx) , petals (corolla), stamens (androecium), and carpels (gynoecium). These whorls are arranged on the swollen end of the stalk or pedicel, called the thalamus or receptacle.
Importance of Flowers:
Flowers are the place where pollination takes place. Due to the vibrant color and fragrance of flowers, insects get attracted to them that helps in the process of pollination that in turn leads to seed production. These seeds turn into fruits and are also a very important part of plant survival as they create new plants.
Read More: Flower Structure