Cell Biology and Genetics

Explain the process of double fertilization in angiosperms. Why is it considered unique to flowering plants?

Double fertilization in angiosperms involves two sperm cells from a pollen grain. Upon reaching the ovule, one sperm fertilizes the egg, forming a diploid zygote. The other sperm fuses with two polar nuclei, creating a triploid cell that develops into the endosperm, nourishing the embryo.

- Unique Process: Double fertilization is exclusive to flowering plants, ensuring efficient resource allocation by synchronizing embryo and endosperm development.

- Example: In lilies, this process supports rapid seed development.

This mechanism enhances reproductive success by optimizing nutrient use, contributing to angiosperms' evolutionary dominance. Such efficiency is absent in non-flowering plants, highlighting its uniqueness.