Difference between double fertilization and triple fusion

The main difference between double fertilization and triple fusion is that double fertilization is the fusion of a sperm with an egg, while triple fusion is the combination of a nucleus fused with a sperm in the embryo sac.

Double fertilization versus triple fusion

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

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

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

Comparative chart

It is defined as the combination of sperm and ovum in plants and produces a fertilized zygote. It occurs within the body of the plant. It produces the two endosperms within the body of the plant. It is present in all types of plants. During double fertilization, male spores form on the filament. In plants, the reproductive structure is the flower. All reproduction is completed in flower.

Male spores are produced at the rod end of the filament when mature; the male spore travels from the filament to the female structure that produces the pistils. The spores are reached by pollination methods. Pollination takes place in many ways, such as through water, air, etc.

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

What is Triple Fusion?

It is defined as the fusion of a spore with the fertilized zygote. It is also called the next step of double fertilization. The ovum is formed after triple fusion. In this step, the ovum is formed from the triple endosperm. The sperm reaches the end of the pollen tube and fuses with the two zygote sperm and the triple endosperm is produced.

The two sperm form a zygote and one of the three spores forms a covering to provide protection and food. This zygote within the shell develops into an ovule and then into fruits and seeds. The outer covering or seed coat protects damage from surrounding hazards and protects the zygote from drying out completely from the surrounding heat.

Key differences

1. Double fertilization is the combination of a male and female spore, which form a zygote, while triple fusion is the combination of a spore with the fertilized egg.
2. In double fertilization, only one spore and one egg combine; on the other hand, in triple fusion, there is the combination of a fertilized zygote with the spore.
3. Double fertilization is carried out by two endosperms; conversely, triple fusion is performed by triple and double endosperms.
4. Double fertilization is present in all types of plants that have flowers; on the other hand, triple fusion is present in plants that produce seeds or fruits.
5. Double fertilization is the angiosperm process, while triple fusion is the process of fusing the fertilized egg with the single sperm in the embryo sac.

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