Light is not needed in this process. An example of a plant using stored food can be seen when a potato sprouts in storage. The loss of water through the leaf stomata pulls water up through the plant from the roots. Transpiration is the way plants use water to carry nutrients through their structure. When additional water is unavailable to the roots, as in winter or drought, wilting and potential plant damage can occur.
Pollination is the transport of pollen from the anther onto the stigma.
Pollen can be carried by insects, other animals or wind. This union of egg and sperm is called fertilization. Fertilization results in an embryo which develops inside protective layers of tissue. The embryo and protective layers are called a seed. The fragrance, nectar and color of flowers attract insects, birds and mammals.