Science - Kelly, Monday, October 1, 2007 at 7:49pm
In a grain of pollen, what is thefunction of the sperm cell that doesn't join with an egg call?
It can serve as food for the polinator larvae, especially bees. Otherwise, it is lost.
i dont know but this is on a connexus quiz, anyone have answers for the lesson 4 quiz on unit 4 in 8science
The function of the sperm cell that doesn't join with an egg cell in a grain of pollen is to fertilize the ovary within the flower. This process is necessary for the plant to reproduce. However, it is important to note that pollen grains do not contain sperm cells. Instead, they contain male gametophytes, which produce the sperm cells.
To understand how the process works, here are some important points:
1. Pollination: Pollen is transferred from the male reproductive organ of a flower, called the anther, to the female reproductive organ, called the stigma. This can occur through various agents such as wind, water, or the assistance of pollinators like bees or birds.
2. Germination: Once the pollen reaches the stigma, it germinates, meaning it starts to grow a pollen tube. This tube grows down through the style of the flower towards the ovary.
3. Fertilization: As the pollen tube reaches the ovary, it releases sperm cells. One sperm cell fuses with the egg cell, leading to fertilization and the production of a zygote. This zygote develops into a seed, containing the genetic material of both the male and female parent plants.
4. Ovary fertilization: The other sperm cell in the pollen grain fertilizes the ovary directly. This stimulates the development of the ovary into a fruit that protects the seeds. The genetic material from this sperm cell contributes to the development of the fruit itself, rather than directly to the genetic makeup of the offspring.
In summary, the sperm cell that doesn't join with an egg cell in a grain of pollen plays a crucial role in the fertilization process. It helps to stimulate the development of the ovary into a fruit, ensuring that the plant can produce seeds and continue its reproductive cycle.