Which of these processes begins after pollen lands on the stigma of a flower?
- AOption (a)
The leaves begin photosynthesis immediately.
- BOption (b)
The petals open wider.
- COption (c)
It develops into a seed directly.
- DOption (d)
A pollen tube grows through the style to reach the ovary.
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Correct answer
A pollen tube grows through the style to reach the ovary.
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is A pollen tube grows through the style to reach the ovary.
Key Points
- The process of plant reproduction begins with pollination, which is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.
- Once a compatible pollen grain lands on the stigma, it absorbs moisture and sugar-rich secretions from the stigmatic surface, leading to its germination.
- During germination, a pollen tube emerges from one of the germ pores of the pollen grain and grows downward through the internal tissues of the style. Hence, statement 4 is correct.
- The pollen tube acts as a conduit to transport the male gametes (sperm cells) toward the ovule located inside the ovary.
- The growth of the tube is chemotropic, meaning it is guided by chemical signals secreted by the synergid cells within the embryo sac.
- Leaves do not begin photosynthesis specifically because of pollination; photosynthesis is a continuous metabolic process occurring in chlorophyll-containing tissues. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.
- Petals usually wither or fall off after successful pollination rather than opening wider, as their primary role of attracting pollinators is complete. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.
- Pollen does not develop into a seed directly; a seed only forms after the complex process of fertilization occurs within the ovule. Hence, statement 3 is incorrect.
Additional Information
- Siphonogamy: This refers to the process in seed plants where a pollen tube is used to transfer male gametes to the egg cell, removing the requirement for external water for fertilization.
- Double Fertilization: A unique feature of Angiosperms (flowering plants) where one male gamete fuses with the egg to form a diploid zygote, and the second male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form the triploid primary endosperm nucleus (PEN).
- Structure of the Pistil: The female reproductive part, or carpel, consists of the stigma (receptive tip), the style (stalk), and the ovary (swollen base containing ovules).
- Post-Fertilization Changes: After successful fertilization, the ovule matures into a seed, and the ovary wall develops into the pericarp or the fruit.
Important Points
- Pollen-Pistil Interaction: This is a dynamic recognition process where the pistil evaluates the pollen to ensure it is "compatible" (belonging to the same species and not self-sterile) before allowing the pollen tube to grow.
- Role of Nutrients: Essential elements like Boron and Calcium are critical for the successful germination and steady elongation of the pollen tube through the style.
- Generative and Vegetative Cells: The pollen grain typically consists of a vegetative cell (which forms the tube) and a generative cell (which divides to form two sperm cells).