Pistil

Definition

The pistil is the female reproductive part of a flower, typically consisting of an ovary, style, and stigma. It plays a crucial role in the reproductive process, allowing for the production of seeds after fertilization occurs. The pistil works in tandem with other flower structures, such as the stamen, to facilitate pollination and reproduction in flowering plants.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The pistil can be composed of one or more fused carpels, which are the individual units that contain the ovary and ovules.
2. The stigma is the part of the pistil that receives pollen during pollination and is often sticky to help trap pollen grains.
3. After successful fertilization, the ovary develops into a fruit that protects and helps disperse the seeds formed from the fertilized ovules.
4. Some flowers have multiple pistils, which can lead to complex fruit structures, like aggregate fruits formed from separate ovaries.
5. The arrangement and number of pistils in a flower can vary widely across plant species, influencing their reproductive strategies and success.

Review Questions

• How does the structure of the pistil facilitate its function in reproduction?
  • The structure of the pistil, which includes the ovary, style, and stigma, is specifically adapted to facilitate reproduction. The stigma acts as a receptor for pollen grains during pollination, while the style serves as a pathway for pollen tubes to reach the ovary. Inside the ovary are ovules that will develop into seeds upon fertilization. This specialized structure ensures that pollination leads to successful fertilization and seed production.
• Compare and contrast the roles of the pistil and stamen in flowering plant reproduction.
  • The pistil and stamen have complementary roles in flowering plant reproduction. The stamen is responsible for producing pollen, which contains male gametes, while the pistil houses the ovary where female gametes are located. During pollination, pollen from the stamen must reach the stigma of the pistil for fertilization to occur. This interplay between male and female structures is essential for successful reproduction in flowering plants.
• Evaluate the significance of variations in pistil structure among different plant species for their reproductive success.
  • Variations in pistil structure among different plant species play a crucial role in their reproductive success by influencing pollination mechanisms and seed development. For instance, flowers with larger stigmas may attract more pollinators or be better suited for specific types of pollen transfer. Additionally, species with multiple or fused pistils may produce unique fruit types that enhance seed dispersal. By adapting their pistil structures to their environments and pollinators, plants increase their chances of successful reproduction and survival.

Related terms

Stamen: The male reproductive structure of a flower, made up of an anther and filament, responsible for producing pollen.

Ovule: The structure within the ovary of the pistil that develops into a seed upon fertilization.

Pollination:

The transfer of pollen from the male anther to the female stigma, enabling fertilization and seed development.