A unique reproductive process in flowering plants where two sperm cells from a pollen grain fertilize two different structures: one sperm fertilizes the egg to form the embryo, while the other fertilizes the central cell to form the nutritive endosperm tissue.
Term combining 'double' from Latin 'duplus' meaning twofold, and 'fertilization' from Latin 'fertilis' meaning fruitful. This process was discovered in the 1890s and recognized as a defining characteristic of angiosperms (flowering plants).
Double fertilization is like nature's ultimate meal plan - not only does one sperm create the baby plant (embryo), but the second sperm creates a packed lunch (endosperm) that will feed the developing seedling, which is why seeds like corn and wheat are so nutritious!
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