Xenogamy and autogamy are different modes of pollination in higher plants. Let us look at their differences –
| Xenogamy is the process of fertilization when pollen from a genetically different plant lands on the stigma of another flower. | Autogamy is the process of fertilization when two gametes from the same flower undergo fertilization. |
| Cross-fertilization | Self-fertilization |
| The offspring produced is genetically different from the parents. | An identical offspring is produced. |
| It requires help from external pollination agents like wind, water, air and insects. | This process does not require outside help from pollinators for landing the pollen. The pollen sheds itself inside the flower, sometimes even before the flower opens. |
| The flowers have bright coloured petals and sweet nectar to attract pollinators. The plants adapt spatial distance between anther and stigma to avoid self-fertilization. | The flowers adapt themselves to shed pollen grains directly onto the stigma. |
| Calotropis, papaya, Cucurbits | Arabidopsis, sunflower, orchid |
| They produce genetically different offspring, therefore contributing to evolution. | They are not dependent on external agents for pollination. |
| The efficiency of seed formation depends on the pollinating agents. | It creates an inbreeding depression due to self-fertilization. |
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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
What is the difference between Xenogamy and Allogamy?
The main difference between allogamy and xenogamy is that allogamy is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same plant or in a different plant of the same species. In contrast, xenogamy is the deposition of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower in a different plant of the same species, i.e. genetically different flowers of the same species.
Xenogamy is a type of allogamy.
Both are types of cross-fertilization.
What is the difference between Xenogamy and Geitonogamy?
Geitonogamy is the pollination of pollen grains onto the stigma of another flower of the same plant, whereas xenogamy is the pollination of pollen onto the stigma of a genetically different plant.
What is the difference between Autogamy and Allogamy?
Autogamy is self-fertilization, wherein pollination occurs within the same flower.
Allogamy is a cross-fertilization method wherein pollination occurs from the anthers of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same plant or to a different plant of the same species.
Both geitonogamy and xenogamy belong to allogamy.
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