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The haploid nucleus in pollen grains, divide by mitosis to give two haploid
cells. One is the generative nucleus and the other tube nucleus.
When the pollen grains are mature, the anthers will split open at a point of
dehiscence between two pollen sacs to expose the pollen grains.
Pollination
This is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower of
the same species. There are two types of pollination: cross pollination where
pollen grains are transferred to the stigma of another flower and self pollination
when it is transferred to the stigma of the same flower. While cross pollination
ensures that there is more variation, the opposite happens in self pollination. Whilst
it may be advantageous to be able to self pollinate, cross pollination provides more
advantages and is favored. Plants therefore have several adaptations to foster cross
pollination. These include:
1. Having only male or female floral structures. That is they are dioecious
(separate sexes) e.g. holly trees
2. Protandry The maturation of the anthers before stigma is ready to receive
pollen, e.g. dandelions and daises.
3. Protogyny Maturation of stigma before anthers (less common of the two),
e.g. Bluebells and woodrurb
4. Self sterility Some pollen of flower are unable to develop as a result of
chemicals released when they land on stigma of same plant, e.g. clover
5. Mimicry Where flower resembles agent of pollination, tricking them into
thinking they can mate only to transfer pollen, e.g. orchid, primrose flower.
Since pollen grains or ovules are imitated, then the pollen grains must be
carried by an agent to the stigma. This may be by wind or by insect or even water.
Once the pollen grain lands on the stigma by whatever method, pollination is
complete.
Fertilization
The pollen grain absorbs water from the stigma and begins to germinate, if of same
species. A part of the pollen grain pushes through one of the pits forming a pollen
tube. The tube grows down the style towards an ovule. The tube nucleus remains
close to the tip of the tube as it makes its way through the style. As the tube grows,
the degenerative nucleus divides by mitosis to give two haploid male gametes.
The pollen tube contains to grow and enters the ovule through the micropyle
(some digest and enter through chalaza). Once inside ovule, the tube nucleus
degenerates and the two male gametes enter the embryo sac. One will fuse with the
egg cell forming a diploid zygote while the other fuses with the primary endosperm
(diploid) cell in embryo sac. This result in the triploid nucleus called the
endosperm. This happens only in plants and is called DOUBLE
FERTILISATION as two things are fertilized.
Seed Development
Once fertilized, the ovule becomes a seed. It remains attached to the ovary wall
and receives nutrients as it develops. The zygote will divide by mitosis to form an
embryo plant. The embryo develops a radicle, plumule and two cotyledons. The
endosperm also divides by mitosis to form the endosperm which surrounds and
provides nourishment for the developing embryo.
While this is happening, the integuments of the ovule develop into the testa as it
thickens, hardens and becomes waterproof with lignin in its cell walls. The gap in
integuments (testa) remains as hole in testa.
The walls of the ovary changes to become the fruit, while its wall becoming the
pericarp. It may become fleshy or dry depending on type of fruit. The style and
stigma disintegrate to leave the fruit with two scars.