Stamen vs. Stigma — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 8, 2024
Stamen is the pollen-producing part of a flower, consisting of an anther and filament, while stigma serves as the receptive tip of a flower's carpel where pollen germinates.
Difference Between Stamen and Stigma
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Stamen is a crucial male reproductive organ in flowering plants, composed of a filament and an anther, whereas the stigma functions as the female reproductive part located at the tip of the carpel.
The anther of the stamen is responsible for producing and releasing pollen, whereas the stigma is designed to capture and hold onto this pollen.
In terms of structure, the filament of the stamen elevates the anther to an optimal position for pollen dispersal, while the stigma is often sticky or feathery to effectively trap pollen grains.
During pollination, the stamen's role is to ensure that pollen reaches the stigma, which then initiates the process of pollen tube growth and eventual fertilization.
While the stamen typically degrades after releasing its pollen, the stigma remains active and receptive until it successfully captures pollen, starting the fertilization process.
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Comparison Chart
Function
Produces pollen.
Receives pollen.
Components
Composed of an anther and filament.
Tip of the carpel, often sticky.
Role in Plant
Male reproductive organ.
Part of female reproductive organ.
Structural Role
Elevates anther for dispersal.
Traps pollen for fertilization.
Lifecycle
Degenerates after pollen release.
Remains active until fertilization.
Compare with Definitions
Stamen
Typically located around the pistil.
In the flower, several stamens encircled the central pistil.
Stigma
Crucial for plant fertilization.
If the stigma does not capture pollen, the plant cannot be fertilized.
Stamen
Consists of an anther and a filament.
The filament supports the anther, which disperses pollen grains.
Stigma
Can be sticky or feathery based on species.
The flower’s stigma had a feathery structure to trap pollen effectively.
Stamen
Plays a key role in reproduction.
The stamens need to release their pollen for the plant to reproduce.
Stigma
The part of the pistil where pollen germinates.
The stigma was sticky, capturing any pollen that landed on it.
Stamen
A flower's organ for producing pollen.
The stamen’s anther was covered in bright yellow pollen.
Stigma
Usually located at the top of the style.
The stigma extends slightly above the style to catch pollen.
Stamen
The stamen (plural stamina or stamens) is the pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower. Collectively the stamens form the androecium.
Stigma
Active until successful fertilization.
The stigma remains receptive until it secures enough pollen for fertilization.
Stamen
The pollen-producing reproductive organ of a flower, usually consisting of a filament and an anther.
Stigma
An association of disgrace or public disapproval with something, such as an action or condition
"Depression ... has become easier to diagnose, and seeking treatment does not carry the stigma it once did" (Greg Critser).
Stamen
(botany) In flowering plants, the structure in a flower that produces pollen, typically consisting of an anther and a filament.
Stigma
A visible indicator of disease.
Stamen
A thread; especially, a warp thread.
Stigma
A small bodily mark, especially a birthmark or scar, that is congenital or indicative of a condition or disease.
Stamen
The male organ of flowers for secreting and furnishing the pollen or fecundating dust. It consists of the anther and filament.
Stigma
(Psychology) A bleeding spot on the skin considered to be a manifestation of conversion disorder.
Stamen
The male reproductive organ of a flower
Stigma
Stigmata(Christianity) Bodily marks, sores, or sensations of pain corresponding in location to the crucifixion wounds of Jesus, believed to be given as divine recognition of devotion.
Stigma
(Botany) The apex of the pistil of a flower, on which pollen grains are deposited and germinate.
Stigma
(Biology) A small mark, spot, or pore, such as the respiratory spiracle of an insect or an eyespot in certain protists.
Stigma
(Archaic) A mark burned into the skin as a visible identifier of a person as a criminal or slave; a brand.
Stigma
A mark of infamy or disgrace.
Stigma
A scar or birthmark.
Stigma
A mark on the body corresponding to one of the wounds of the Crucifixion on Jesus' body, and sometimes reported to bleed periodically.
Stigma
An outward sign; an indication.
Stigma
(botany) The sticky part of a flower that receives pollen during pollination.
Stigma
(medicine) A visible sign or characteristic of a disease.
Stigma
(typography) A ligature of the Greek letters sigma and tau, (Ϛ/ϛ).
Stigma
A mark made with a burning iron; a brand.
Stigma
Any mark of infamy or disgrace; sign of moral blemish; stain or reproach caused by dishonorable conduct; reproachful characterization.
The blackest stigma that can be fastened upon him.
All such slaughters were from thence called Bartelmies, simply in a perpetual stigma of that butchery.
Stigma
That part of a pistil which has no epidermis, and is fitted to receive the pollen. It is usually the terminal portion, and is commonly somewhat glutinous or viscid. See Illust. of Stamen and of Flower.
Stigma
A small spot, mark, scar, or a minute hole; - applied especially to a spot on the outer surface of a Graafian follicle, and to spots of intercellular substance in scaly epithelium, or to minute holes in such spots.
Stigma
One of the external openings of the tracheæ of insects, myriapods, and other arthropods; a spiracle.
Stigma
A point so connected by any law whatever with another point, called an index, that as the index moves in any manner in a plane the first point or stigma moves in a determinate way in the same plane.
Stigma
Marks believed to have been supernaturally impressed upon the bodies of certain persons in imitation of the wounds on the crucified body of Christ. See def. 5, above.
Stigma
The apical end of the style where deposited pollen enters the pistil
Stigma
A symbol of disgrace or infamy;
And the Lord set a mark upon Cain
Stigma
An external tracheal aperture in a terrestrial arthropod
Stigma
A skin lesion that is a diagnostic sign of some disease
Common Curiosities
What is the main function of a stamen?
The stamen primarily produces and disperses pollen.
Why does the stamen die after pollen release?
It has completed its reproductive function, which is to disperse pollen.
What is the role of the stigma in a flower?
The stigma acts as a receptive surface to capture and initiate pollen germination.
How does the structure of the stigma aid in pollination?
Its sticky or feathery surface helps in trapping pollen grains.
Is the stamen found in all flowering plants?
Most flowering plants have stamens, but some are both gender and may lack them.
How does the stigma contribute to the plant’s reproductive process?
It ensures that pollen germinates, leading to fertilization.
Can the stigma receive pollen from other flowers?
Yes, cross-pollination involves pollen transfer between different flowers.
What happens if the stigma does not capture pollen?
Without pollen, fertilization and subsequent seed development cannot occur.
Does the stigma have a specific shape?
Its shape can vary, being feathery, sticky, or tailored to specific pollinators.
What are the parts of a stamen?
A stamen consists of an anther and a filament.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
