fertilizationflowers

Fertilization in flowers is the process by which male and female gametes unite to form a new organism in flowering plants (angiosperms). In most species, fertilization also initiates seed and fruit development. The male gametophyte is produced in pollen grains inside the anthers; the female gametophyte develops inside the ovule contained in the ovary.

Pollination transfers pollen from an anther to a stigma. After landing, pollen grains germinate and extend a pollen tube through the style toward the ovule. In angiosperms, fertilization typically involves double fertilization: one sperm fuses with the egg to form a zygote, while a second sperm fuses with two polar nuclei to form a triploid endosperm that nourishes the embryo.

Fertilization leads to seed and fruit development. The zygote grows into the embryo, and the endosperm provides nutrients during seed development. The ovule converts into the seed, while the surrounding ovary often develops into fruit that aids seed dispersal.

Successful fertilization depends on compatibility between pollen and pistil, timing of pollen release and stigma receptivity, and effective pollination vectors such as insects, wind, or birds. Plants may use self-pollination or cross-pollination; many species have self-incompatibility mechanisms to promote genetic diversity.

Factors such as temperature, humidity, and environmental conditions influence fertilization success. Understanding fertilization in flowers is important for ecology, plant breeding, and agriculture.