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.

Science; Plants; KS2 Year 3; Pollination and fertilisation

Flowers with long stamens can blow in the wind and pollen can be carried to nearby flowers.

Science; Plants; KS2 Year 3; Pollination and fertilisation

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.

Science; Plants; KS2 Year 3; Pollination and 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.