Question

flowering plants have several structures that are used to produce new plants. which of the following explains how the structure of the stigma plays a role in plant reproduction?
the stigma has a tube that transfers pollen from where it is collected to the eggs.
the stigma contains the embryo sac that stores the eggs before fertilization occurs.
the stigma contains sacs that store the reproductive cells that produce the eggs and the pollen.
the stigma has a sticky outer surface that pollen attaches to before being able to fertilize the eggs.

Explanation:

To solve this, we analyze the function of the stigma in plant reproduction:

• The first option is incorrect because the pollen tube is part of the style, not the stigma.
• The second option is incorrect as the embryo sac is in the ovule, not the stigma.
• The third option is incorrect because the stigma does not store reproductive cells for eggs and pollen (those are in other structures like ovules and anthers).
• The fourth option is correct. The stigma has a sticky surface to capture and hold pollen grains, which is a key step before pollen can move towards the ovary for fertilization.

Answer:

D. The stigma has a sticky outer surface that pollen attaches to before being able to fertilize the eggs.