Which structure is the female reproductive organ of a flower?

• A. Carpel
• B. Stamen
• C. Petal
• D. Sepal

Answer: (A)

In a flower, the female reproductive organ is the carpel, also called the pistil. The carpel typically includes a stigma at the tip that receives pollen, a style that provides a channel for pollen tubes to grow, and an ovary at the base that contains ovules. After fertilization, the ovary develops into fruit. If a flower has more than one carpel, they may be separate or fused, forming a compound ovary, collectively known as the gynoecium. The male reproductive organ is the stamen, which produces pollen and consists of an anther and a filament. Petals attract pollinators, and sepals protect the bud; neither is directly involved in the reproductive process.