When a pollen grain lands on the stigma, it germinates and produces a pollen tube that grows through the style towards the ovary. The pollen tube carries the male gametes (sperm cells) to the egg cells (ovules) located within the ovary. This fertilization process leads to the formation of seeds and eventually, new plants.
The style plays a crucial role in ensuring successful pollination and fertilization by:
- Receiving and capturing pollen grains on the stigma.
- Providing a suitable environment for pollen grain germination and pollen tube growth.
- Guiding the pollen tube towards the ovary.
The length, shape, and hairiness or smoothness of the style can vary among different plant species, which influence the specificity and compatibility of pollen transfer.
