1. Flower Formation: Sexual reproduction in flowering plants begins with the development of flowers. Flowers are the reproductive structures of angiosperms (flowering plants) that contain both male and female reproductive organs.

2. Male Reproductive Organs: Within a flower, the male reproductive organs are called stamens. Each stamen typically consists of two parts: the anther and the filament. The anther produces pollen, which contains male gametes (sperm cells).

3. Female Reproductive Organs: The female reproductive organ of a flower is called the pistil or carpel. The pistil consists of three parts: the stigma (the receptive surface for pollen), the style (a tube-like structure), and the ovary (which contains one or more ovules). Each ovule contains a female gamete (egg cell).

4. Pollination: Pollination is the transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower. This can occur through various agents, including wind, water, insects, birds, and bats. The goal of pollination is to bring the male gametes (pollen) in contact with the female reproductive structures (stigma).

5. Fertilization: After successful pollination, the pollen grain adheres to the stigma and develops a pollen tube, which grows down through the style and enters the ovary. The sperm cell from the pollen grain then fertilizes the egg cell within the ovule. This fusion of male and female gametes results in the formation of a zygote, which will develop into an embryo.

6. Seed Formation: After fertilization, the ovule develops into a seed, containing the embryo, stored nutrients, and a protective seed coat. The ovary often matures into a fruit, which protects and aids in the dispersal of the seeds.

7. Seed Dispersal: Once the seeds are mature, they are dispersed from the parent plant to new locations. This can happen through various mechanisms, such as wind, animals, or water, depending on the plant species.

8. Germination: When conditions are favorable, the seed undergoes germination. The embryo within the seed begins to grow, developing into a new plant, and ultimately, the life cycle begins again.

Sexual reproduction in flowering plants allows for genetic diversity through the combination of genetic material from two different parent plants. This diversity can be advantageous for the adaptation and evolution of plant species.