Question

Differentiate between fertilization and double fertilization.

Answer 1

	Fertilization	Double fertilization
1.	Fertilization is the fusion of one male gamete with the egg (female gamete).	Double fertilization is the fusion of one male gamete with the egg and the other male gamete with the polar nuclei (secondary nucleus).
2.	It involves only one fusion event.	It involves two fusion events: syngamy (zygote formation) and triple fusion (endosperm formation).
3.	Fertilization results in the formation of a diploid zygote.	Double fertilization results in the formation of a diploid zygote and a triploid primary endosperm nucleus.
4.	It occurs in all seed plants.	It is a unique feature of angiosperms.