Pollination, fertilization, seed formation shown in the animation to the left.

   Pollen, containing the male sex cell (sperm) is formed on the anther at the top of the stamen in a flower of a plant. 

   Wind or animal pollinators carry the pollen grains to the sticky stigma at the top of the pistil of the second plant of the same species. 

   A pollen tube grows out of the pollen grain down through the style and into the ovary at the bottom of the pistil.

   The genetic material (DNA) in the sperm travels through the pollen tube from the stigma to the ovary, where the sperm joins with the egg to complete fertilization. 

   The new complete cell (zygote) formed by the fertilization develops into an embryo. 

   A carbohydrate "food packet" forms around the embryo. This is the cotyledon.   A seed coat forms around the cotyledon and embryo for protection.  This new seed becomes dormant until the proper conditions cause it to germinate and begin growth as a new plant.  When the plant becomes mature, flowers form and the cycle continues as described from the top of this page.

   This explanation leaves out some of the details of seed formation.  For students who are interested in a more complete explanation, click here.