A pistil is the ovule-producing part of a flower.
Here's a breakdown of the pistil's structure and function:
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Function: The primary function of the pistil is to produce ovules, which, when fertilized, develop into seeds.
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Structure: The pistil typically consists of three parts:
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Stigma: The sticky, pollen-receptive surface at the top of the pistil. Pollen grains land here and begin to germinate.
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Style: A stalk-like structure connecting the stigma to the ovary. Pollen tubes grow through the style to reach the ovules.
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Ovary: The enlarged basal portion of the pistil where the ovules are located. After fertilization, the ovary matures into a fruit, enclosing and protecting the developing seeds.
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Relationship to Fruit and Seeds: The mature ovary becomes the fruit, and the mature ovule becomes the seed. This highlights the crucial role of the pistil in plant reproduction.
In summary, the pistil is the female reproductive organ of a flower, responsible for producing ovules that, after fertilization, develop into seeds within a fruit derived from the ovary.
