Question

State two differences between pollination and fertilization.

Hint:

Pollination $\rightarrow$ transfer of pollen grains (external). Fertilization $\rightarrow$ fusion of gametes (internal). Pollination must occur before fertilization can take place.

Answer 1

Step 1: Define pollination and fertilization.

• Pollination: The transfer of pollen grains from the anther (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower.
• Fertilization: The fusion of male gamete (from pollen grain) with the female gamete (egg cell) inside the ovule to form a zygote.

Step 2: Difference 1 - Nature of process.
Pollination is a physical process involving the transfer of pollen grains by agents like wind, water, insects, or animals. Fertilization is a biological process involving the fusion of male and female gametes.
Step 3: Difference 2 - Location of occurrence.
Pollination occurs on the stigma (external part of the flower). Fertilization occurs inside the ovule (internal part of the ovary).
Step 4: Additional differences (for reference).

• Pollination can occur between flowers of the same plant or different plants; fertilization occurs within the same flower.
• Pollination is necessary for fertilization to occur (except in some artificial methods).
• Pollination involves pollen grains; fertilization involves gametes.

Step 5: Tabulate the differences for clarity.