Question

Write a brief account on pollination.

Answer 1

Transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma is called pollination. There are two types of Pollination.

1. Self Pollination
2. Cross Pollination

a. Self pollination

1. Pollen grains are transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or to another flower of the same plant.
2. Plants do not need to produce pollen grains in a large quantity for self pollination.
3. It does not produce changes in the characteristics of new plants

b. Cross Pollination

1. Pollen grains are transferee! for the anther of one flower to the stigma of anoter flower of the same kind or different plant.
2. Plants need to produce pollen grains in larger quantities to increase the chance of pollination.
3. Cross pollination does introduce variations in characteristics of new plants, e.g (apples, plums)
4. Agents like wind, water, insects and animals are helpful for pollination and are known as pollinators.
5. Wind pollinated plants produce pollen which are light. Insect pollinated flowers are brightly coloured and produce lot of pollen which sticks to the body of insects and are caused to other plants.
6. Pollination that occurs in nature is called Natural pollination.
7. Pollination between desired plants can be brought about by artificial methods.