Pollination and fertilisationSpec B14.1.3, B14.1.4
In short
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma; fertilisation is the fusion of a pollen nucleus with a nucleus in an ovule.
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma. Pollination is not the same as fertilisation. Pollen has to reach the stigma first, then fertilisation can happen.
Fertilisation occurs when a pollen nucleus fuses with a nucleus in an ovule.
- Pollination
- The transfer of pollen grains from an anther to a stigma.
- Fertilisation (in plants)
- The fusion of a pollen nucleus with a nucleus in an ovule.
Common mistake:
Pollination and fertilisation are different. Pollination is the transfer of pollen to the stigma. Fertilisation is the fusion of nuclei.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Combined Science (0653) specification · Updated October 2026