Michigan Test for Teacher Certification (MTTC) Secondary Integrated Science Practice test

What is the function of the stigma in flowering plants?

1. It houses the ovules

2. It leads to the ovary

3. It holds pollen that comes from the male part

4. It produces carbohydrates during photosynthesis

The correct answer is: It holds pollen that comes from the male part

The stigma plays a crucial role in the reproduction of flowering plants as it is the part of the female reproductive structure, known as the pistil, that receives pollen during pollination. Its primary function is to provide a sticky surface that captures and holds pollen grains, which come from the male reproductive structures (the anthers) of flowers. Once the stigma successfully captures pollen, it facilitates the process of fertilization by allowing pollen tubes to grow down into the style leading to the ovary, where ovules are located. The successful adhesion and germination of pollen on the stigma are vital for fertilization and the formation of seeds. While other options refer to different aspects of plant anatomy and reproduction, they do not accurately describe the primary role of the stigma in the fertilization process. Option A discusses the ovules, which are housed in the ovary, while option B refers to the path the pollen takes to reach the ovary. Option D incorrectly attributes photosynthesis to the stigma, which is not its function. The stigma's primary role is to capture pollen, making the choice about holding pollen the correct one.