Pollination in flowering plants is the process by which pollen is transferred to the stigma, leading to fertilization. Here's how it works:
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Pollen Transfer: Pollen grains are transferred from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower. This transfer can occur through various agents like insects, wind, water, or other animals.
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Pollen Tube Growth: Once a pollen grain lands on the stigma, it germinates and forms a pollen tube. As mentioned in our reference, once the pollen that is brought in by a pollinator comes in contact with the stigma of the flower, a pollen tube grows down into the style of the flower.
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Pollen Tube Elongation: The pollen tube elongates, growing down through the style of the flower toward the ovary. The tube elongates to reach the ovary, as stated in the reference.
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Sperm Cell Release: The pollen tube eventually reaches the ovary, where it releases two sperm cells. The reference specifies that it releases two sperm cells.
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Fertilization: One sperm cell fertilizes the egg cell to form the zygote, which develops into the embryo. The other sperm cell fuses with the central cell to form the endosperm, which provides nourishment to the developing embryo.
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| Pollen Transfer | Pollen moves from the anther to the stigma. |
| Pollen Tube Growth | The pollen grain germinates on the stigma, forming a pollen tube that grows down the style. |
| Elongation | The pollen tube extends towards the ovary. |
| Sperm Release | The pollen tube reaches the ovary and releases two sperm cells. |
| Fertilization | One sperm cell fertilizes the egg to form the zygote, while the other fuses with the central cell to form the endosperm. |
