Review sheet

Group 7
Module 3
Objectives
2.6 -explain the sequence of events from pollination to fertilization
2.7 -explain the significance of double fertilization in the embryo sac
2.8 -discuss the development of the seed and the fruit from the embryo sac and its contents, the
ovule and the ovary.

Objective 2.6
1. Pollen germination- Once pollination has occurred and the pollen grain lands on the
stigma, the pollen grains stick to the surface of the stigma, absorb water and begin to
germinate (only if it is compatible).
2. The pollen grain then swells and it contents push through its wall resulting in the
formation of a pollen tube that grows towards the ovule.
3. The pollen grain contains two nuclei: the generative nucleus and the tube nucleus both of
which are haploid. As the tube grows, the generative nucleus divides by mitosis to
produce two haploid nuclei which represents the male gametes
4. The pollen tube then enters the ovule usually through the micropyle then penetrates the
embryo sac wall. The tube nucleus then degenerates while the two male gametes enter the
embryo sac.
Objective 2.7
Double fertilization- is a fertilization mechanism unique to angiosperms which involves the
fusion of two male gametes, one with the female gamete forming the zygote, and the other with
the primary endosperm nucleus forming the endosperm.
Its significance:
As a result of double fertilization, an endosperm is formed that will provide the embryo
with the necessary nutrients during the first few days of growth or where food is scarce.
It results in the formation of a zygote, which develops into an embryo and gives rise to a
new plant
It results in variation among the offsprings
It stimulates the plants ovary to develop into fruit and the ovule to develop into the seed

Objective 2.8
Seed development
After fertilization, the ovule becomes the seed and remains attached to the parent from
whom it receives its nutrients. The zygote divides by mitosis to form the embryo and is
attached to the walls of the ovule by a large basal cell and a little column of cells called
the suspensor. The radicle (embryo root), plummule (embryo shoot) and the
cotyledon(one or two) will then develop in the seed.
The triploid endosperm nucleus also divides by mitosis to become the endosperm
tissue which surrounds the embryo. It might become the main food storage (as in cereal
grains) or it might disappear within a few days of fertilization.The integuments lose their
protoplasm ,toughen and thicken to become the testa. Moisture content decreases to about
10-15%. Dormancy occurs (state of inactivity).The micropyle remains to allow oxygen
and water to enter during germination

Fruit development
The ovary becomes the fruit
The wall of the ovary becomes the pericarp of the fruit which is adapted for dispersion
The pericarp contains three parts:
1. Exocarp- the outermost skin or covering
2. Mesocarp- middle part of the fruit (usually fleshy and edible)
3. Endocarp- the inner part of the fruit
The other parts of the flower wither and fall off