Fertilization is the process where two gametes (reproductive cells with a single set of chromosomes) fuse to form a zygote. This can occur through cross-fertilization between two individuals or self-fertilization within a single individual. In plants, sexual reproduction involves flowers with reproductive and vegetative parts, pollination to transfer pollen grains, and double fertilization where one sperm cell fuses with the egg and the other with polar nuclei. In animals, males have testes that produce sperm and hormones, while females have ovaries, uterus, and hormones to support fertilization, implantation, and pregnancy protected by the placenta.