Double Fertilization 1.Pollination occurs – transfer of pollen from anther to stigma 2. Pollen tube forms in the stigma and produces two sperm 3. The sperm enters into the ovule through the micropyle 4. One sperm nucleus (n) unites with the egg nucleus (n) to become the zygote (2n) 5. The other sperm nucleus (n) unites with the two polar nuclei to form a triploid (3n) endosperm nucleus –provides food for the developing embryo. In many plants the endosperm disappears and the cotyledon becomes the food source

Hilum – scar on a seed coat marking where it was attached to the ovary Micropyle – small opening within the hilum. Pollen tube enters here

Coleoptile - the covering of the young shoot of the embryo Monocot – a plant that produces seeds having one cotyledon, such as corn Dicot – a plant that produces seeds having two cotyledons

Placenta – part of the ovary wall where the ovules develop at the fused margins Funiculus – attaches the plant ovule to the placenta in an ovary Cross-Section of a Cucumber Fruit