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What is the role of the stigma in the process of fertilisation?
Serving as the site where pollen lands
Fusing with the egg cell
Producing pollen
Developing into a seed 2024/12/20-TEAMMC Q APPLICATION
Serving as the site where pollen lands
The stigma is the uppermost part of the carpel (female reproductive part of a flower) that acts as the landing platform for pollen grains during pollination. It is typically sticky or hairy to ensure that the pollen grains, once they arrive, adhere to the surface and are hydrated before they start the process of fertilization.
The stigma is the uppermost part of the carpel (female reproductive part of a flower) that acts as the landing platform for pollen grains during pollination. It is typically sticky or hairy to ensure that the pollen grains, once they arrive, adhere to the surface and are hydrated before they start the process of fertilization.
Think of the stigma as a 'honey-trap' or a landing strip specifically designed for pollen; just as a butterfly needs a surface to land on to collect nectar, the stigma provides a secure, sticky dock for pollen to begin its journey.
STIGMA = STicks In Grains (of pollen) - Making Arrival (successful).
When a pollen grain lands on the stigma, the stigma releases chemical signals and fluids (the stigmatic exudate). This secretion hydrates the pollen grain and provides the necessary nutrients for the grain to germinate. The pollen grain then produces a pollen tube that grows down through the style into the ovary to reach the ovule, where it releases male gametes for fertilization.
The stigma is the receptive surface of the pistil.
It produces a sugary secretion that promotes pollen hydration.
It plays a key role in 'pollen recognition', preventing self-pollination in some species.
It initiates the growth of the pollen tube through the style.
Increases probability of successful fertilization.
Acts as a biological filter for compatible pollen.
Reproduction in Angiosperms
Genetic variation through cross-pollination
The style is the elongated part connecting the stigma to the ovary.
Option B (fusing with the egg) occurs inside the embryo sac within the ovary, not at the stigma.
Option C (producing pollen) is the function of the anther (part of the stamen).
Option D (developing into seed) is the role of the fertilized ovule.
A is correct тАФ The stigma functions as the specialized receptive platform where pollen grains land and undergo hydration to initiate fertilization.
Remember: Stigma is the landing strip (Stamen-Stigma linkage), while the Ovary is the factory where the actual seed development occurs.