Fertile Eyes Flashcards
During double fertilization, one sperm nucleus forms the endosperm while the other unites with the egg cell.
Chemical signals from the embryo sac guide the growth of the pollen tube as it moves toward the ovary.
To safeguard the nuclei, they are encased within ________, and these pollen grains house two to three nuclei.
pollen walls
When pollen is released during ___________, it remains dehydrated with minimal metabolic activity. This dormancy ends when the pollen reaches the moist surface of the stigma, preparing them for fertilization.
anther dehiscence
The ovule contains several nuclei, but only one will develop into the embryo, while the others become cells with specific functions.
Successful fertilization requires the sperm nuclei and vegetative cell to stay enclosed within the pollen grain.
A pollen grain forms a pollen tube that grows through the style, carrying sperm cells to the ovule.
When several pollen tubes are forming inside the style, what is the main determining factor that decides which tube fertilizes the egg successfully?
- Pollen Tube Growth Speed
- Recognition and Compatibility
- Nutrient and Resource Availability
- Mechanical and Molecular Guidance
Would fertilization in plants completely fail if only one sperm cell succeeded? What if there is an instance where there are 5 sperm cells?
If only one sperm cell is successful (e.g., it fertilizes the egg but not the central cell), the embryo may start developing, but the lack of endosperm would usually lead to seed abortion due to insufficient nutrients. However, in rare cases, some plants can form a weak seed if alternative nutrient sources exist.
