Unit-5→REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS

Introduction:

Reproduction enables the continuity of the species generation after generation. It results in the formation of genetic variation. This genetic variation is inherited during reproduction. It is a fundamental feature of all known life; each individual organism exists as the result of reproduction. There a re two forms of reproduction – asexual and sexual. In asexual reproduction, an organism can reproduce without the involvement of another organism. Asexual reproduction is not limited to single-celled organism. Sexual reproduction typically requires the sexual interaction of two specialized organism, called gametes, which contain half the number of chromosomes of normal cells and are created by meiosis.

Chapter Analysis:

Predicting the number of question in the coming paper is a task uphill for this particular chapter. There is huge variation in the number of questions asked. No questions were asked for 4 consecutive years from 2014-17, and in 2018, 3 questions appeared out of the blue. Again, the question count went to 0 in 2019. In all, 9 question have been asked in the last 10 year making it a low weighted chapter. Hence, one should not expect more than 1-2 question in the coming paper.
The bar-graph given below depicts the frequency of the question appearing from this particular topic:

The important topics to be covered from this chapter are:
• Modes of Reproduction – Asexual and Sexual
• Binary Fission
• Sporulation
• Budding
• Gemmule
• Fragmentation
• Vegetative Propagation in plants

Tips and Tricks:

Since this is a low weighted chapter, one cannot devote much time to this. Thus, one must turn to reading this chapter with smart mentality. The following points might be helpful:
1. Reading the NCERT shall be the first step towards understanding this chapter. Here is the link to the NCERT PDF version of this chapter.
2. Making Mind Maps is a must for this chapter as the topic is easily forgotten by many students.
3. Proper revision is also compulsory. Revision every fortnight will be good as the bulk chapters will make this chapter be easily forgotten is not revised.
4. One must refer to online videos for clearer understanding of the topic.
5. The diagrams of the different modes of reproduction must also be understood by heart.

Introduction:

The plants in which the sex organs are carried within the flowers and the seeds are enclosed in a fruit are called angiosperms. Angiosperms are commonly known as flowering plants. The flowering plants reproduce by ‘sexual reproduction’ method. This means that two sexes are involved in reproduction in flowering plants. Like human beings, plants have also male and female sex organs, though they are different in form from humans. The sex organs (or reproductive organs) of a plant are in its flowers. In other words, flowers contain the sexual reproductive organs of a plant. The function of a flower is to make male and female gametes and to ensure that fertilization will take place to make new seeds for the reproduction of plant. Sexual reproduction is the most common method of reproduction in flowering plants. A flower makes both male and female gametes needed for sexual reproduction in plants.

Chapter Analysis:

Now here comes one of the most frequented chapters for NEET – Reproduction in Flowering Plant. All in all, this chapter has provided 45 question cumulatively in the last 10 years, averaging above 4 questions per year. Last year saw a hike in the number of questions asked with a total of 6 question being asked. Except for 2016, each year has seen more than or equal to 3 questions being asked, hence this is one of the chapters which must be prepared sincerely. So, it will be a good estimate to expect 5-6 question in the coming paper.
The following bar-graphs depict the question pattern in the last 10 years:

The following topics must be prepared with utmost sincerity with regards to this chapter:
• Flower Structure
• Pollination
• Double Fertilization
• Post Fertilization Event
• Development of Seed and Formation of Fruit
• Special Modes – Apomixis, Parthenocarpy and Polyembryony

Tips and Tricks:

Since this is one of the heavy weight chapter, it must be prepared with utmost dedication and sincerity. The following tips and tricks might be helpful:
1. This is a tough chapter and will require hard labor. One should start with the NCERT to set the tone for further reading. Here is the link to the NCERT PDF version of the chapter:
2. Students must further look up for interactive animations as well as video lectures for more clearer understanding.
3. The diagrams must be understood completely and practiced every couple of weeks or so. Redrawing will help the student in remembering the parts exactly.
4. Mnemonics for the various steps must be created which will convert hard work to smart work.
5. Practicing the previous year question paper is a must so that one gets acquainted with the type of question which can be expected in the coming paper.