Pollination:
Pollination is the process by which pollen
grains from the male part of a flower (the anther) are
transferred to the female part (the stigma) of the same or
another flower. This is the first step in the reproduction of flowering plants.
- Pollination can be self-pollination (same flower or plant)
or cross-pollination (between different plants).
- Pollination is often helped by agents like wind, insects
(bees, butterflies), birds, and water.
Fertilization:
After pollination, fertilization takes place inside
the flower.
- The pollen grain on the stigma grows a tube called the pollen
tube down through the style to reach the ovule inside
the ovary.
- The male gamete (sperm cell) travels through the pollen tube
and fuses with the female gamete (egg cell) inside the ovule.
- This fusion of male and female gametes is called fertilization,
which results in the formation of a zygote.
- The zygote develops into a seed, and the ovary develops into
a fruit.
