Pistil

Definition

The pistil is the female reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the ovary, style, and stigma. It plays a crucial role in the reproduction process by receiving pollen and facilitating fertilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pistil is composed of three main parts: ovary, style, and stigma.
2. The ovary contains ovules, which develop into seeds upon fertilization.
3. The stigma is the sticky surface at the top of the pistil that captures and holds pollen.
4. The style is a slender stalk that connects the stigma to the ovary.
5. In some flowers, multiple pistils can be present; these are referred to as carpels.

Review Questions

• What are the three main components of a pistil?
• How does the structure of the stigma aid in pollination?
• What happens to the ovules contained within an ovary after fertilization?

Related terms

stamen:

The male reproductive part of a flower consisting of the anther and filament.

carpel:

Another term for an individual unit of a pistil; multiple carpels can form one compound pistil.

ovule: The structure within the ovary that develops into a seed after fertilization.