Edexcel iGCSE Biology-4.4 The Process of Fertilisation in Plants- Study Notes- New Syllabus
Edexcel iGCSE Biology-4.4 The Process of Fertilisation in Plants- Study Notes- New syllabus
Edexcel iGCSE Biology-4.4 The Process of Fertilisation in Plants- Study Notes -Edexcel iGCSE Biology – per latest Syllabus.
Key Concepts:
4.4 understand that the growth of the pollen tube followed by fertilisation leads to seed and fruit formation
Pollen Tube Growth, Fertilisation, Seed and Fruit Formation
🌱 Introduction
Pollination transfers pollen from anther → stigma.
For fertilisation to occur, pollen must grow a tube to reach the ovule.
Fertilisation → zygote → seed; ovary → fruit.
🧬 1. Pollen Tube Growth
- Pollen germinates on stigma → produces pollen tube
- Tube grows down the style towards the ovule
- Male gametes travel through the pollen tube
- Purpose: direct path for sperm cells to reach ovule
🌟 2. Fertilisation
- Fusion of male and female gametes in ovule → zygote
- Zygote undergoes mitosis → develops into embryo
- Endosperm formation in some plants → food for embryo
🍃 3. Seed Formation
- Zygote → embryo
- Ovule develops into seed containing:
- Embryo → future plant
- Food store (endosperm) → nourishes embryo
- Seed coat → protection
🍏 4. Fruit Formation
- Ovary develops into fruit after fertilisation
- Fruit protects seeds & helps dispersal (wind, animals, water)
- Example: Tomato ovary → tomato fruit; Pea ovary → pea pod
📊 Summary Table
| Stage | Process | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Pollen tube growth | Pollen germinates, tube grows through style | Male gametes reach ovule |
| Fertilisation | Fusion of gametes | Zygote → embryo |
| Seed formation | Ovule develops | Embryo + food store + seed coat |
| Fruit formation | Ovary develops | Protects seeds & aids dispersal |
📌 Quick Recap
– Pollen tube = path for sperm cells → ovule.
– Fertilisation = male + female gametes fuse → zygote → embryo.
– Seed = embryo + food + coat.
– Fruit = developed ovary → protects seeds & aids dispersal.