3.4 Plant Fertilisation

Pollen grains germinate, tube grows downwards. Germination happens with specific species, so only the same type of pollen can germinate. Male nucleus goes through the pollen tube down to the ovule.

In order for a seed to form, the following must happen:

-Fertilisation: Pollen nucleus + ovule= Zygote

-Coating: Outside ovule forms seed coating: TESTA

-Food stores for the seedling: Cotyledons (support plant till leaves come)

-Fruit: Ovary wall thickens, energy put into sugars proteins, which eventually form the fruit.

3.3b Wind Pollination

Through the movement of wind, pollen is transferred from the male part of the plant to another plant's female part.

In order for the pollen to be carried in the wind, it is made to be lightweight and has winglike features to help move effectively through air.

Also, the anthers will hang well clear of any flower structures so that they are exposed to the wind.

The stigma will have a large surface area, featherlike structure to catch the pollen grains as they pass through the wind.

The flower has no scent, no color or nectaries because it is a waster of energy as these features are not needed for wind pollination.

3.3a Insect Pollination

Cross-Pollination is the transfer of pollen (Male nuclei) from one plant to another plant's stigma (female part).

In order for a plan to be pollinated by an insect, the plant must attract the insect.

The plants colored petals and various scents are watch attract the insect, and the insect always returns because they receive fructose and pollen (protein).

Stamen (Male part of the plant):

Anther which produces pollen grains

Filament which supports the anther

Carpal (Female part of the plant):

Stigma is where pollen grains fall

Style which connects the stigma to the ovary

Ovary which contains eggs (ovules)