Pistil

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Pistil

Pistil (/ˈpɪstɪl/) is a term used in botany to describe the female reproductive part of a flower. The word originates from the Latin pistillum, meaning pestle, due to its shape.

Structure

The pistil is typically located in the center of the flower and is made up of three main parts: the stigma, the style, and the ovary.

  • The stigma (/ˈstɪɡmə/) is the topmost part of the pistil. It is sticky and is responsible for catching and trapping pollen.
  • The style (/staɪl/) is the elongated, slender part of the pistil that connects the stigma to the ovary. It acts as a pathway for the pollen to reach the ovary.
  • The ovary (/ˈoʊvəri/) is the base of the pistil. It houses the ovules, which, when fertilized by pollen, develop into seeds.

Function

The primary function of the pistil is to facilitate fertilization in plants. The stigma captures pollen, which then travels down the style to reach the ovary. Once the pollen reaches the ovary, it fertilizes the ovules, leading to the formation of seeds.

Related Terms

  • Carpel: A term often used interchangeably with pistil. However, in flowers with multiple pistils, each individual pistil is referred to as a carpel.
  • Stamen: The male reproductive part of a flower, which produces pollen.
  • Pollination: The process by which pollen is transferred from the stamen to the pistil, leading to fertilization.

External links

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