Which part of the flower is responsible for capturing pollen?

The stigma is the part of the flower responsible for capturing pollen. It is typically located at the top of the pistil, which is the female reproductive structure of the flower. The stigma is often sticky or feathery, which aids in trapping pollen grains that are transferred from the male part of the flower, known as the anther, or from other flowers through various means such as wind or pollinators. Once pollen grains land on the stigma, they can germinate and grow down through the style to reach the ovary, where fertilization occurs.

Understanding the role of the stigma helps clarify the process of pollination and fertilization in flowering plants, emphasizing the importance of its structure in the reproductive cycle.