Where does fertilization occur in a flower?

Fertilization in a flower occurs in the pistil, which is the female reproductive structure of the flower. The pistil contains the ovary, where ovules are located. During fertilization, pollen grains from the stamen (the male reproductive part) travel to the stigma at the top of the pistil, where they germinate and form a pollen tube. This tube enables the sperm cells to travel down to the ovary and fertilize the ovules. Once fertilization occurs, it leads to the development of seeds, which are essential for the reproduction and continuation of plant species. The pistil is specifically adapted for this process, making it the critical site for fertilization in flowering plants.