After fertilisation in a flowering plant, the zygote and the ovule undergo a series of changes. Trace the dev…

Question

After fertilisation in a flowering plant, the zygote and the ovule undergo a series of changes. Trace the developmental journey from zygote to seed, and separately describe what happens to the ovary during this period. What is the biological significance of the structure that forms from the ovary?

Accepted Answer

## Model Answer **Zygote to Seed:** After fertilisation, the zygote divides several times to form an **embryo** within the ovule. The ovule then develops a tough protective coat and is gradually converted into a **seed**. The seed contains the embryo, which develops into a seedling under suitable conditions (germination). **Changes in the Ovary:** The ovary grows rapidly and ripens to form a **fruit**. Meanwhile, petals, sepals, stamens, style, and stigma shrivel and fall off. **Biological Significance of Fruit:** The fruit protects the seed and aids in its dispersal, ensuring the survival and spread of the species. *Source: Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, Chapter 7, Section 7.3.2* --- ## Explanation - Examiners expect three clear parts: zygote → embryo → seed; ovary → fruit; significance of fruit. - Key terms to use: *embryo, tough coat, seed, ripens, fruit, dispersal* — these fetch marks. - Don't confuse ovule (becomes seed) with ovary (becomes fruit); this is a common erro…

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