Chapter 38, Problem 38.1CR

What changes occur to the four types of floral parts as a flower changes into a fruit?

Summary Introduction

To determine: The changes that occur to the four types of floral parts as a flower changes into a fruit.

Introduction: Flowers are the reproductive part of a modified thick shoot of an angiospermic plant. There involve various parts that make up the structure of a flower. The four main floral organs in flowers are sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels.

Explanation of Solution

The first step of fruit formation starts with pollination followed by fertilization. Ovule is a part of the female reproductive system in plants. They are contained in the ovaries. After fertilization, the ovule develops to form a seed that contains nucellus, protective coat, and plant embryo (female gametophyte). Ovary covers the ovule. After fusing with the male gamete, the ovule develops into a seed, and the ovary develops into a fruit. The petals, stamens, and sepals typically shed off from the flower. The pistil and stigma start to wither, and the ovary begins to enlarge and ripen into fruit. The journey from flower to fruit includes several variables like weather and climatic conditions that favor the development and ripening of fruits. The changes in any of these variables can result in fewer flowers and poor quality of fruits.