Formation of the female gametophyte: This is a pre-fertilization event. The megaspore undergoes mitoses to form the 7-celled, 8-nucleate embryo sac (female gametophyte) within the ovule. Transfer of pollen to stigma: This is pollination. For fertilization to occur, the pollen grains must first be transferred from the anther to the receptive surface of the stigma. Triple fusion: Once the pollen tube reaches the embryo sac, it releases two male gametes. One fuses with the egg (syngamy), and the other fuses with the two polar nuclei. This second process is triple fusion, which completes the act of double fertilization. Degradation of antipodals: This is an early post-fertilization event. After fertilization has taken place, the synergids and the antipodal cells, having fulfilled their roles, begin to degenerate. Fruit formation: This is a late post-fertilization event. As the seeds develop from the ovules, the ovary ripens and transforms into the fruit.