Double Fertilization in Flowering Plants: A Fascinating Process

What is double fertilization in flowering plants?

Can you explain the process of double fertilization?

Double Fertilization in Flowering Plants

Double fertilization happens when two sperm cells from a pollen tube discharge into the embryo sac of a flowering plant.

Double fertilization is an intriguing process that occurs in flowering plants, also known as angiosperms. It involves the fusion of two sperm cells with different structures in the embryo sac, resulting in the formation of both a zygote and endosperm.

During double fertilization, one sperm fertilizes the egg cell, forming a diploid zygote that will develop into the future embryo. Meanwhile, the other sperm cell fuses with two polar nuclei in the central cell of the embryo sac, creating a triploid cell known as the endosperm.

The endosperm serves as a nutrient-rich tissue that provides essential nourishment for the developing embryo. This unique process ensures the successful growth and development of the seeds within the fruit of flowering plants.