Process of pollination and fertilization

• During pollination, matured pollen grains which contains the male gametes are transferred from the anther to the stigma of the flower. This happens by insects, wind or any other means.

• The stigma receives the pollen grains from the anther.

• The pistil contains a long tube called the pollen tube which begins from the stigma to the ovary.

• The pollen grain passes through the pollen tube and enters the ovary.

• The male gamete in the pollen grain fuses with the ovule (female gamete) in the ovary and zygote is produced. This process is called fertilization.

• The zygote develops and the fertilized ovary becomes the fruit whilst the fertilized ovule becomes the seed.

NB. Some flowers contain a lot of ovules hence, can develop into many seeds in one fruit. Example; Orange and water melon. Others contain one ovule hence one seed develops. Example; Avocado pear and mango.

Pollination and fertilization occur in many flowers on a plant in the same season resulting in the production of many fruits on the plant.