After pollination the ovary sometimes becomes
a fruit.
Anther, stigma, ovary, style, sepal, petal, filament
The anther is the part of the flower's stamen that produces and holds pollen grains. The stigma is the sticky or feathery structure at the top of the pistil, where pollen grains land and germinate. The ovary is the basal part of the pistil that contains ovules, which develop into seeds after pollination. The style is the long, slender tube-like structure that connects the stigma to the ovary. Sepals are the green leaf-like structures that protect the flower bud before it opens. Petals are the colorful and often scented structures that surround the reproductive parts of the flower, attracting pollinators. Filaments are the slender stalks that support the anther and elevate it within the flower.
After pollination, the ovary of a flower undergoes a transformation and develops into a fruit. This process is called fruit development or ovary maturation. The transformation of the ovary into a fruit is a crucial step in the reproductive cycle of flowering plants.
To understand how this transformation occurs, let's go through the process of pollination and fertilization:
1. Pollination: Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anthers (male reproductive organs) of a flower to the stigma (female reproductive organ) of the same or another flower. Pollen can be carried by wind, water, or through the assistance of animals such as insects, birds, or mammals.
2. Fertilization: Once pollen grains reach the stigma, they form a pollen tube that grows down through the style to the ovary. This allows the male sperm cells within the pollen grains to reach the ovules (female reproductive cells) inside the ovary. Fertilization occurs when sperm cells unite with the egg cells in the ovules, resulting in the formation of a zygote.
3. Fruit development: After fertilization, the ovary starts to develop into a fruit. The ovary wall thickens and changes its chemical composition, often becoming fleshy or hard. This transformation is influenced by hormones, such as auxins and gibberellins, produced by the developing embryo and surrounding tissues. The other floral parts, such as sepals, petals, and stamens, may wither and fall off, leaving only the mature ovary (now a fruit).
The development of the ovary into a fruit is an essential adaptation for angiosperms (flowering plants) as it protects the developing seeds and aids in their dispersal. Fruits can be classified into different types based on their origin and structure, such as fleshy fruits (e.g., apples, oranges) and dry fruits (e.g., beans, nuts).
In summary, after pollination and fertilization, the ovary of a flower undergoes a transformation and develops into a fruit. This process ensures the protection and dispersal of seeds, contributing to the reproductive success of flowering plants.