In order to form a zygote, male gametes in pollen grains have to fuse with egg in the ovule. This is achieved by the process called pollination. Pollination is the process of transferring pollen grains from the anther – male part of a flower, to the stigma – female part of a flower. Depending on the pollen landing, pollination can be classified into two types-
Self-Pollination: A pollination where the pollen transfer takes place between the anther and stigma of the same flower.
Cross-Pollination: A pollination where the pollen transfer takes place between the anther and the stigma of different flowers of the same plant or different plants of the same species.
Generally, pollination takes place with the help certain agents so called pollinators. They include insects, water, birds, the wind, etc. Once pollen gets transferred to stigma the male gametes from pollen grains release and fuses with egg in the ovule to form a zygote. This process of fusion of gametes is called fertilization. The zygote thus formed, divides and develops into an embryo, and later into a seed. The ovary develops into a fruit.