How do flowers produce seeds?
Written by
Julia Anderson
Reviewed by
Prof. Martin Thorne, Ph.D.An exact biological sequence begins with pollination and results in the production of seeds by flowers. Firstly, pollen must be transferred from the anthers to the stigmas. This marks the beginning of the cycle of reproduction. The pollen is then likely of a compatible nature, and germination of the pollen occurs, with the tubes growing towards the ovules. Fertilization occurs when the sperm penetrates the egg.
Pollination Phase
- Pollen transfer occurs via wind insects or water
- Stigmas catch pollen using sticky receptive surfaces
- Compatibility checks prevent cross-species fertilization
Fertilization Phase
- Pollen tubes grow through style tissues
- Sperm cells travel down tubes to reach ovules
- Double fertilization creates embryo and endosperm
Double fertilization is found uniquely in flowering plants. One of the sperm enters the egg to form the embryo, while the other fuses with polar nuclei in the ovule to form endosperm. This is the connective tissue that feeds the developing seed. This dual process assures the seed's viability.
After fertilization, the ovules change into seeds. The embryos develop root and shoot structures. The seed coats become harder and more protective. Ovaries, at the same time, enlarge into fruits. These fruits enclose and disseminate the mature seeds. This transformation is what the garden crop is.
Foster seed production in your garden. Add flowering plants of a diversity that attract pollinators. Make sure that the blooming periods overlap. Do not use pesticides during the period of flowering. Give the terrain on which the bees and butterflies can multiply. These steps will create natural seed production cycles that yield the best results.
Read the full article: Understanding Flower Reproductive Parts and Functions
