The pollen needs to be transferred from the stamen to the stigma. If this transfer of pollen occurs in the same flower, this phenomenon is known as:
- AOption (a)
fertilisation
- BOption (b)
cross-pollination
- COption (c)
spore formation
- DOption (d)
self-pollination
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Correct answer
self-pollination
Why this answer is correct
The correct answer is self-pollination.
Key Points
- Self-pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the stamen to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
- This process ensures genetic consistency and can occur in both monocots and dicots.
- It is a form of sexual reproduction in plants but does not promote genetic diversity as cross-pollination does.
- Plants that predominantly self-pollinate include wheat, rice, and tomatoes.
- Mechanisms such as cleistogamy (flowers that never open) ensure self-pollination in some plant species.
Additional Information
- Cross-pollination
- It involves the transfer of pollen from the stamen of one flower to the stigma of another flower, often requiring external agents like wind, water, or animals.
- Cross-pollination promotes genetic diversity and can lead to hybrid vigor in plants.
- Common examples include apples, pumpkins, and many types of flowers.
- Fertilization
- It is the process following pollination where male gametes from pollen grains unite with female gametes (ovules) to form a zygote.
- Fertilization results in the formation of seeds and fruit in flowering plants.
- It can occur in both self-pollinated and cross-pollinated plants.
- Spore Formation
- It is an asexual reproductive process found in fungi, algae, and some plants like ferns and mosses.
- Spores are usually single-celled and can develop into a new organism without the need for fertilization.
- Spores are highly resistant to environmental stresses and can remain dormant for extended periods.
- Stamen and Stigma
- The stamen is the male reproductive part of a flower, consisting of the anther and filament.
- The stigma is the female reproductive part of a flower that receives pollen during pollination.
- Both stamen and stigma are essential for sexual reproduction in flowering plants.
