Carpel

Definition

A carpel is the female reproductive organ of a flower, consisting of an ovary, a stigma, and usually a style. It is responsible for producing ovules and facilitating fertilization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The carpel is made up of three main parts: the stigma, style, and ovary.
2. Carpels can be singular or multiple in a flower; when multiple, they may be fused together to form a pistil.
3. The stigma is the top part of the carpel that receives pollen during fertilization.
4. The ovary at the base of the carpel contains ovules which develop into seeds after fertilization.
5. Flowers with both male and female reproductive organs are called perfect flowers and contain one or more carpels.

Review Questions

• What are the three main parts of a carpel?
• How do multiple carpels in a flower relate to each other?
• What role does the stigma play in plant reproduction?

Related terms

Pistil: The collective term for one or more fused carpels in a flower.

Stamen: The male reproductive organ of a flower that produces pollen.

Ovule:

A structure within the ovary that develops into seeds following fertilization.