After fertilization, a series of events occur in flowering plants that lead to the development of the embryo, endosperm, seed, and fruit. The post-fertilization events in flowering plants can be summarized as follows:
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Zygote formation: After the pollen tube reaches the ovule, the sperm cell fuses with the egg cell to form a diploid zygote.
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Embryo development: The zygote undergoes several rounds of cell division and differentiation to form the embryo.
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Endosperm development: The primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) formed by the fusion of two polar nuclei with a sperm cell undergoes several rounds of mitosis to form the endosperm.
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Seed coat formation: The integuments of the ovule develop into the seed coat that surrounds the embryo and endosperm.
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Fruit development: The ovary of the flower develops into the fruit that encloses the seed.
These events lead to the formation of a mature seed that can germinate and give rise to a new plant.
