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How do the stigma, style, and ovary work together in a pistil?
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Plant reproductive system
A large bumblebee (Bombus species) pollinating a teasel flower head (Dipsacus species).
The stigma, style, and ovary function as an integrated system within the pistil to facilitate plant reproduction:
- Stigma: Located at the apex of the pistil, the stigma serves as the receptive surface for pollen. It is often sticky or specially adapted to capture and hold pollen grains.123
- Style: This stalk-like structure connects the stigma to the ovary. It contains secretory transmitting tissue that provides a nourishing environment for the pollen tube as it elongates and grows downward toward the ovary.23
- Ovary: Situated at the base of the pistil, the ovary contains the ovules. Once the pollen tube reaches the ovary, it delivers sperm to fertilize the ovules, which then develop into seeds. The ovary itself subsequently matures into a fruit.143
Together, these parts ensure that pollen is successfully received, transported, and utilized to fertilize the ovules, completing the essential reproductive process in angiosperms.23