Sexual propagation is the process of reproducing plants through the union of male and female gametes, which ultimately results in the formation of seeds. Cross-pollinating flowers involves transferring pollen from the male part of one flower to the female part of another. This process not only facilitates fertilization but also allows for genetic diversity in the resulting seedlings. When seeds are formed from this fertilization, they carry genetic material from both parent plants, leading to new plant varieties.
In contrast, taking leaf cuttings, layering a branch in soil, and dividing a plant into several sections are all forms of asexual propagation. These methods do not involve the mixing of genetic material from two different plants; instead, they create clones of the parent plant, retaining the same genetic makeup without the introduction of variation. This highlights the distinct nature of sexual propagation, marked by the production of seeds and the potential for new genetic combinations.