Fertilisation

Fertilisation is the fusion of the nuclei of the two haploid gametes to produce a diploid zygote.

In plants, before fertilisation can happen, the flower must be pollinated.

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another.

Pollination can be achieved using wind or insect carriers.

After pollination a pollen tube grows from the grain which has landed on the stigma.

• This allows the nucleus of the male gamete to travel down to the nucleus of the ovules so fertilisation can take place.

Eventually, the zygote(s) will form a seed(s) and the wall of the ovary will develop into a fruit.

After fertilisation:

• The ovule becomes the seed

• The ovary becomes the fruit