Double Fertilization vs. Triple Fusion

Main Difference

The main difference between Double Fertilization and Triple Fusion is that Double Fertilization is the fusion of one sperm with one egg cell, whereas Triple Fusion is the combination of one fused nucleus with one sperm cell in the embryonic sac.

Difference Between Double Fertilization and Triple Fusion

Comparison Chart

Double Fertilization vs. Triple Fusion

Double fertilization is the process of fertilization in angiosperm, whereas triple fusion is the process of fertilization in which one fused nucleus combines with two polar nuclei. In double fertilization, there is a combination of one sperm and one egg cell; on the other hand, triple fusion is the combination of one already fused nucleus with two polar nuclei.

In double fertilization, the diploid nucleus is formed, whereas, in triple fusion, the triple endos nucleus is produced. In double fertilization, both double and triple endosperm is produced, whereas, in triple fusion, the only triple endosperm is produced; in plants, the only reproductive structures are flowers.

In the process of producing angiosperm where the male reproductive structure is stamen, and the female reproductive structure is pistols, double fertilization of male and female spores produces the zygote, whereas fertilization of male spore and fertilized zygote called triple fusion.

What is Double Fertilization?

It is defined as the combination of sperm and egg cell in plants and produces a fertilized zygote. It happens inside the plant body. It produces the two endosperms inside the plant body. It is present in all types of plants. During double fertilization, the male spore form at the filament. In plants, the reproducing structure is the flower. All the reproduction is completed in flower.

The male spores are produced at the end of the filament rod than it becomes mature — the male spore than traveled from the filament to the female producing structure pistils. Spores are reached by pollination methods. Pollination is done in many ways, like through water, air, etc.

When microsporangium reached the stigma, one of two spores forms a long tube, which is called the pollen tube for the passage of sperm. When one of the sperm reached the bottom, then it fused with egg and formed a fertilized zygote. Then zygote changes into ovule and then becomes into seed or fruit. Then it changes into new plants.

What is Triple Fusion?

It is defined as the fusion of one spore with the fertilized zygote. It is also called the next step of double fertilization. The ovule is formed after the triple fusion. In this step, the ovule is formed from the triple endosperm. The sperm reached at the end of the pollen tube fused with the two sperm zygote, and triple endosperm is produced.

The spore reached stigma contains both nuclei, i.e., generative and tube nucleus. The tube nucleus is used to form a long tube that can carry the pollen grain to the end of the tube. When sperm reached the bottom, then the generative nucleus is fused with the female egg cell, then it forms a zygote. Another sperm followed the same path and reached the bottom; they try to fuse with the zygote and then formed endosperm of the triple nucleus.

The two sperm form zygote and one of three spores form a covering to provide protection and food. This zygote inside the covering grows into ovule and then fruits and seeds. The outer covering or seed coat protects the harms of the dangers surrounding and protect the zygote to not to completely dry out from the surrounding heat.

Conclusion

Double fertilization is the combination of spores of two different types, whereas triple fusion is the combination of one spore and fertilized egg.