Stigma, Style, Ovary
Explanation
The pistil, also known as the carpel, constitutes the female reproductive unit of a flower. Morphologically, it is differentiated into three distinct parts arranged vertically to facilitate the process of pollination and fertilization.
- Stigma (Uppermost): This is the terminal part of the pistil. It serves as the receptive landing platform for pollen grains during pollination.
- Style (Middle): This is an elongated, slender tube that connects the stigma to the ovary. It provides a pathway for the pollen tube to grow downwards toward the ovules.
- Ovary (Lowermost): This is the swollen basal part of the pistil. It contains the ovarian cavity (locule) where ovules (megasporangia) are located.
Therefore, the correct anatomical sequence from the top to the base is Stigma, Style, and Ovary.
Key Takeaway: The pistil is structurally organized to receive pollen at the apex (stigma), conduct the pollen tube through the style, and house the ovules for fertilization at the base (ovary).