Pollination and fertilisation
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Summary
Pollination and fertilisation
In a nutshell
Pollination is when the pollen meets the stigma. Once this happens, fertilisation occurs. Fertilisation is when the pollen meets the egg.
Pollination
Pollination is the process of pollen landing on the stigma. Insects and the wind can help with pollination.
Insects are attracted to scented flowers with bright petals. Whilst feeding on the nectar, they get covered with pollen. They carry the pollen to the next flower they land on. The pollen will stick to the stigma of the new flower.
Flowers with long stamens can blow in the wind and pollen can be carried to nearby flowers.
Fertilisation
Fertilisation happens after pollination. The stamen contains the pollen which is the male sex cell and the carpel contains the egg which is the female sex cell. The pollen and the egg will join to form a seed. This process is called fertilisation.
| 1. | The pollen is on the stigma after pollination. |
| 2. | The pollen makes a tube down the style. |
| 3. | The pollen (red circle) travels to the ovary. |
| 4. | The pollen joins the egg (blue circle) to form a seed. |
FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
How do insects help pollination?
Insects are attracted to scented flowers with bright petals. Whilst feeding on the nectar, they get covered with pollen. They carry the pollen to the next flower they land on. The pollen will stick to the stigma of the new flower.
What is plant fertilisation?
The pollen and the egg will join to form a seed. This process is called fertilisation.
What is pollination?
Pollination is the process of pollen landing on the stigma.