Describe die process of fertilization in flowering plants.

K.C.S.E Biology Q & A - MODEL 2010PP2QN07

Describe die process of fertilization in flowering plants.

answers

​Pollen grains land onto the stigma; and adhere to it as a result of the stigma cells secreting a sticky substance; It absorbs nutrients; and germinates forming a pollen tube; The pollen tube grows down the style to the ovary; deriving nourishment from surrounding tissues; The pollen tube has tube nucleus at the tip; and generative nucleus immediately behind it; As the tube grows downwards into the ovary the generative nucleus divides mitotically; to give rise to two nuclei; which represent the male gametes; The pollen tube penetrates the ovule/embryo sac through the micropyle/chalazza; After the pollen tube enters the embryo sac, the tube/vegetative nucleus breaks down; leaving a clear passage for the entry of the male nuclei;
which enter the embryo sac; where one fuses with the egg cell nucleus; to form a diploid zygote; which develops into an embryo; The other male nucleus fuses with the two polar nuclei; to form a triploid nucleus/primary endosperm nucleus; Which becomes endosperm; This type of fertilization is called double fertilization;