Question

How does cleistogamy ensure autogamy?

Answer 1

Pollination:

Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from open anthers of flowers to the pistil.

Autogamy:

1. Autogamy or self-pollination occurs when pollen grains are transferred from the anthers to the stigma of the same flower.
2. Commelina benghalensis of the Commelinaceae, Argemone mexicana of the Papaveraceae, and others are examples.

Cleistogamy:

1. Cleistogamy occurs when some plants produce small, closed bisexual flowers in addition to normal flowers.
2. Because these tiny flowers are always inside or underground and never open, self-pollination is obvious.
3. Cleistogamous flowers are the name given to such flowers.
4. Because there is no chance of cross-pollination, these flowers are always autogamous (self-pollinated).
5. Cleistogamous flowers produce assured seed sets even in the absence of pollinators, for example- Oxalis.