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Pistil, Female Reproductive Organ in Flowering Plants

Pistil, Learn about the pistil, its definition, structure, and function, Understand its role in seed formation and the NEET Biology syllabus. Also, Solve the related MCQs.
authorImageKrati Saraswat5 Jun, 2025
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Pistil

The pistil is a crucial part of the female reproductive system in flowering plants. It plays an essential role in the process of reproduction by helping in the formation of seeds. Understanding the pistil is important for the NEET exam , as it is a key topic in the chapter on plant reproduction and flowering.

Definition of Pistil

The pistil is the female reproductive organ of a flower. It is usually located at the center of the flower and consists of different parts that work together to produce seeds after pollination. The pistil receives pollen from the male reproductive organ (the stamen) and helps in the development of seeds. It is made up of one or more carpels, which are specialized structures involved in reproduction.

Structure of Pistil

The pistil has three main parts:
  • Stigma: The stigma is the topmost part of the pistil. It is sticky in nature, which helps to trap the pollen grains that are transferred from the male organ (stamen) during pollination. The stigma is essential for receiving pollen and starting the fertilization process.
  • Style : The style is a long, tube-like structure that connects the stigma to the ovary. It provides a pathway for the pollen tube to travel from the stigma to the ovary during fertilization. The style is usually slender and elongates after the flower is pollinated.
  • Ovary : The ovary is the bottom part of the pistil. It contains ovules, which are the potential seeds. After fertilization occurs, the ovary develops into a fruit, and the ovules inside it grow into seeds.

Structure of Pistil

Function of Pistil

The primary function of the pistil is to produce seeds, which are essential for the plant’s reproduction.
  • Pollination: The pistil receives pollen from the male reproductive organ (stamen). This pollen is transferred to the stigma either by wind, insects, or other animals. Without pollination, fertilization cannot occur.
  • Fertilization : Once pollen lands on the stigma, it travels down the style and reaches the ovary. Inside the ovary, the sperm cells from the pollen fertilize the ovules, leading to the formation of seeds.
  • Seed Formation: After fertilization, the fertilized ovules become seeds, and the ovary develops into a fruit. This process is essential for plant reproduction and survival. The seeds that are formed inside the fruit can grow into new plants.

Also Check:

MCQs of Pistil

Q1. The condition called syncarpous of the pistil is referred to as:

  1. Gynoecium containing a single pistil.
  2. More than one pistil fused together.
  3. More than one pistil is free from one another.
  4. Gynoecium contains many pistils.

Q2. Funicle is:

  1. stalk by which ovules are attached to the placenta.
  2. where the body of the ovules fuse with the hilum.
  3. protective covering of the body.
  4. present at Chalazal End.

Q3. Which part of the pistil is crucial for the reception of pollen grains during pollination?

  1. Stigma
  2. Style
  3. Ovary
  4. Filament

Answers of MCQs of Pistil

Ans1. More than one pistil fused together.,
Ans2. Stalk by which ovules are attached to the placenta.,
Ans3. Stigma
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Pistil FAQs

Q. What is the pistil in a flower?

Ans. The pistil is the female reproductive part of a flower. It consists of three main parts: the stigma, style, and ovary, where fertilization takes place.

Q. Is it pistil or carpel?

Ans. The pistil and carpel refer to the same structure. The carpel is the individual unit, while the pistil is the term used for one or more carpels fused together in a flower.

Q. Is the anther male or female?

Ans. The anther is the male reproductive part of a flower. It produces and releases pollen, which contains male gametes (sperm cells) for fertilization.

Q. What is a fruit pistil?

Ans. The fruit pistil refers to the part of the flower that develops into fruit after fertilization. The ovary within the pistil becomes the fruit, and the ovules develop into seeds.
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