What term describes the process of moving pollen from the male to the female reproductive structures?

• A. Pollination
• B. Fertilization
• C. Germination
• D. Transpiration

Answer: (A)

Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the male to the female reproductive structures. This movement is the crucial first step that allows fertilization to take place later when the pollen grain germinates and grows a tube to the ovule. Other terms correspond to later stages or different processes: fertilization is the fusion of sperm and egg; germination is seed sprouting; transpiration is water loss from plant surfaces.