Which part of the pistil serves as a landing platform for pollen grains?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Stigma
Each pistil has three parts: the stigma, the style and the ovary. The stigma is the top of the pistil, and pollen grains land on it during pollination. Compatible pollen then germinates on the stigma.
Option (1) Style — Incorrect. The style is the elongated slender part beneath the stigma. The pollen tube grows through it on its way to the ovary.
Option (2) Ovule — Incorrect. Ovules lie inside the ovary and are reached by the pollen tube only later, through the micropyle.
Option (3) Stigma — Correct. The stigma serves as a landing platform for pollen grains.
Option (4) Ovary — Incorrect. The ovary is the basal bulged part of the pistil that holds the ovules.
NCERT Extract:
The Pistil, Megasporangium (Ovule) and Embryo Sac – “… Each pistil has three parts (Figure 1.7a), the stigma, style and ovary. The stigma serves as a landing platform for pollen grains. The style is the elongated slender part beneath the stigma. The basal bulged part of the pistil is the ovary.”