What Flower Part Contains Egg Cells?

The female or pistil portion of a flower is responsible for seed production.

Flowers or blooms contain egg cells in the female portion of the bloom called the pistil. Egg cells will create seeds to help the flower reproduce or make new plants of the same species.

Ovules

The ovaries contain ovules where egg cells await pollination.

Egg cells are found in the ovules which are located in the ovaries. Pollination by a plant of the same species must occur before eggs will become seeds. Often the male and female part of a flower are located in the same bloom.

Pollination

The anthers may surround the stigma, waiting for pollen to be transferred by insects.

For pollination to occur, pollen from the male anther must reach the female stigma where it is transported down through the style to the waiting ovary. This task is completed by the wind, visiting insects, birds or passing animals.

Necessary Attractrants

The crocus is brightly colored to attract early spring insects.

Other parts of the flower that do not create seeds but are necessary for seed production are the attractive colorful petals and the oils that create fragrance. Color and fragrance help attract pollinators.

Hand Pollination

Hand pollination is practiced where insects are not welcome.

Pollination can be completed by hand but is very tedious. A small object like a cotton swab can be used to gather pollen from the anther and deposit it on the stigma. This process may be used in controlled greenhouses or laboratories to impregnate egg cells where insects are not welcome guests.

References

• University of Illinois Extension: Flower Parts
• Ohio State University Extension: Plants and Animals, Partners in Pollination
• University of Florida: Pollination in the Garden
• Maricopa Community College: Flowering Plant Reproduction