How to Explain the Life Cycle of a Plant

From the single-leafed duckweed to the tallest redwood trees, plants follow a specific life cycle. The cycle typically begins with a seed. Once germinated, the plant grows and eventually reproduces, continuing the life cycle.

Seeds contain all of the genetic material to produce a plant in a relatively small package. Energy in the form of starches is stored within the seed to support the plant when it germinates.

With the right conditions—including temperature, water quantity, soil quality and light exposure—the seed begins to germinate. The embryo in the seed begins to grow, producing a root system, stem and leaves.

Initially, the seedling feeds off the stored energy within the seed. As the roots develop, the plant begins to take in water and nutrients from the soil. These are converted to energy in the form of sugars in the leaves through photosynthesis. The energy is used to continue the growth of the plant.

When the plant matures it reproduces. Pollen produced by the male reproductive organ, called the anther transfers, to the female organ, called the pistil. The pollination process may occur spontaneously or with help from wind, rain or animals.

Sperm cells within the pollen enter through the pistil into the ovary to fertilize the ovules. The ovules, once fertilized, grow into seeds. The ovary then changes into a seed pod.

As the seeds mature, the seed pod grows. When fully mature, the pod eventually drops or opens to disperse the seeds, continuing the life cycle of the plant.