What is fertilisation in plants?

Types of fertilisation in plants?
Stages of fertilisation in plants?
Factors of fertilisation in plants?

1 answer

Fertilisation in plants refers to the process of union of the male and female gametes to form a zygote, which develops into an embryo and eventually a seed or fruit.

Types of fertilisation in plants:
1. Self-fertilisation: It occurs when the pollen from a flower's anther fertilises the same flower's stigma or another flower on the same plant.
2. Cross-fertilisation: It occurs when the pollen from the anther of one flower fertilises the stigma of another flower on a different plant.

Stages of fertilisation in plants:
1. Pollination: The transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma either through wind, insects, or other external agents.
2. Germination of pollen grain: The pollen grain germinates on the stigma and produces a pollen tube.
3. Pollen tube growth: The pollen tube grows through the style towards the ovary.
4. Double fertilisation: The pollen tube enters the ovule through the micropyle and releases two sperm cells. One sperm cell fuses with the egg cell to form a zygote, while the other sperm cell fuses with the two polar nuclei to form the endosperm nucleus.
5. Embryo development: The zygote develops into an embryo, and the endosperm develops into nutritive tissue for the embryo.

Factors of fertilisation in plants:
1. Pollen viability and germination: The pollen grain must be viable and capable of germination for successful fertilisation.
2. Pollinator availability: Plants that rely on pollinators for fertilisation require the presence of appropriate pollinators.
3. Compatibility between male and female parts: The pollen should be compatible with the stigma for successful fertilisation to occur.
4. Environmental conditions: Optimal temperature, humidity, and lighting conditions can influence the success of fertilisation.
5. Presence of obstacles: Physical barriers, such as the presence of incompatible pollen or blockages in the reproductive structures, can hinder successful fertilisation.