What is fertilized pollen?

Fertilized pollen refers to pollen grains that have successfully fertilized an ovule, leading to the formation of a zygote and ultimately a seed. In flowering plants, pollen carries sperm cells that travel to the ovule, usually via pollination, where fertilization occurs. This process is crucial for sexual reproduction in plants, enabling genetic diversity and the development of new plant generations. Once fertilization happens, the ovule develops into a seed, while the surrounding ovary may grow into a fruit.