How do flowers turn into fruits and seeds?

Flowers turn into fruits and seeds through a process called pollination, followed by fertilisation and fruit development.

Pollination is the first step in the transformation of flowers into fruits and seeds. This process involves the transfer of pollen from the male parts of a flower (the stamen) to the female part (the pistil). This can occur within the same flower (self-pollination) or between different flowers (cross-pollination). Pollen can be transferred by various agents, including wind, water, and animals, particularly insects.

Once the pollen has reached the pistil, it travels down the style to the ovary, where fertilisation occurs. Fertilisation is the fusion of the male gametes (found in the pollen) with the female gametes (found in the ovule within the ovary). This results in the formation of a zygote, which is the first cell of a new plant. The zygote then develops into an embryo, which is encased within a seed.

The ovary of the flower, meanwhile, undergoes changes to become a fruit. This process, known as fruit development, involves the growth and maturation of the ovary. The fruit serves to protect the developing seeds and aids in their dispersal once they are mature. The type of fruit that develops depends on the type of flower and can range from fleshy fruits like apples and oranges to dry fruits like nuts and grains.

In summary, the transformation of flowers into fruits and seeds is a complex process that involves pollination, fertilisation, and fruit development. These processes are crucial for the reproduction of flowering plants and the production of the fruits and seeds that are a vital part of human and animal diets.