Question

Assertion: Cleistogamous flowers produce seeds even in the absence of pollinators.
Reason: Cleistogamous flowers have exposed anthers and stigma.
[1 mark]

• A. Assertion and reason are true and the reason is the correct explanation of the assertion
• B. Assertion and reason are true but the reason is not the correct explanation of assertion
• C. The assertion is true but the reason is false
• D. Both assertion and reason are false

Answer 1

The correct option is C The assertion is true but the reason is false

Cleistogamous flowers are bisexual flowers which do not open even at maturity. Therefore they never expose the anthers and stigma. Examples include Oxalis and Viola.

Cleistogamous flowers produce assured seed even in the absence of pollinators. This is because the anther and stigma lie close to each other. When pollen is released, it comes in contact with the stigma resulting in pollination. Hence, pollinators are not required for pollination in cleistogamous flowers.

Thus, the assertion is true but the reason is false.