Given below is a diagrammatic representation of the process of fertilization. Study the same and then answer the questions that follow:

(a) Name the parts labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.

(b) What happens to (i) Ovary (ii) Ovule after fertilization?

(c) What is the function of the synergids?

(d) What part does the stigma play in the process of fertilization?

(a) The parts labelled 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 are:

• 1 → Style
• 2 → Pollen tube
• 3 → Polar nuclei
• 4 → Embryo sac
• 5 → Antipodal cells
• 6 → Micropyle

(b) After fertilization, the ovary enlarges to form the fruit and the ovarian wall forms the fruit wall. The ovule becomes the seed.

(c) Synergid cells are two small, specialized cells found in the embryo sac adjacent to the egg cells in the female gametophyte of a flowering plant. It nourishes the ovum and plays an important role in guiding the pollen tube. These structures are key for cessation of pollen tube growth and in the release of the sperm cells.

(d) Pollen grain is transferred to the stigma during pollination. Germination of pollen grain takes place only if it falls on the stigma. After germination, the pollen tube grows through the stigma and reaches the ovary for the fertilization of the egg cell.