What does pollination involve?

Pollination is a critical process in the reproductive cycle of flowering plants. It specifically involves the transfer of pollen, which contains the male gametes, from the anther (the part of the stamen where pollen is produced) to the stigma (the part of the pistil that receives pollen) of a flower. This transfer is essential for fertilization to occur, as it enables the sperm cells within the pollen to reach the ovule contained within the ovary. Once the pollen grain lands on a compatible stigma, it can germinate and form a pollen tube that extends down into the ovary to enable fertilization.

This process is crucial for sexual reproduction in plants and leads to the development of seeds and fruit. The other options listed involve different aspects of a plant's life cycle or growth but do not accurately describe the process of pollination itself.