What is vegetative reproduction? Explain any three natural methods of vegetative reproduction with the help of suitable diagrams.

The production of plants from different parts of the plant body such as roots, stems, leaves, bulbs, tubers, etc., is called vegetative propagation. Vegetative propagation is an asexual type of reproduction that is of two types- natural and artificial vegetative propagation. These methods produce genetically different plants. Natural vegetative propagation can be characterised by the development of adventitious roots. Thus, new plants may emerge from the roots, stem and leaves of the parent plant. Roots: Plants normally absorbs water and minerals from soil through roots. The plants sometimes propagate through roots. New plants emerge out of swollen, modified roots known as tubers. Buds are formed at the base of the stem. For example, Sweet potato. Leaves: These structures are mainly responsible for the photosynthesis process. Some plants propagate through leaves also. Leaves of a few plants get detached from the parent plant and develop into a new plant. For example, Begonia. Bulbs: Bulbs have an underground stem to which the leaves are attached. These leaves are capable of storing food. The centre of the bulb contains an apical bud that produces leaves and flowers. Shoots are developed from the lateral buds. For example, Onion, garlic etc.

Sketch and label "structure of a pea flower'

Mendel implemented his experiment in pea plants. These flowers can be characterised by pink or purple with white or dark purple wings.

Which part provides the passage for entry of pollen tube during fertilization?

The female gametophyte or egg is produced inside the embryo sac of the ovule. The ovule is the megasporangium of the angiosperm plants. Each ovule consists of two main parts, stalk and body. The stalk of the ovule is called a funicle or funiculus. The body of the mature ovule consists of the embryo sac that is covered by protective coverings called integuments. The integuments surround the ovule completely except for a narrow opening at the terminal end. In most plants, the pollen tubes are entered through this opening called the micropyle.