Question

Cleistogamy does not require anthesis because

• A. No pollination agent is required
• B. It assures heterozygosity
• C. It allows xenogamy
• D. It favours insect pollination

Answer 1

The correct option is A No pollination agent is required

Anthesis is the flowering period in which flowers are fully opened.

Cleistogamy is the phenomenon, where flowers never open and in such flowers, only self-pollination occurs within the bud (unopened flower). Bisexual flowers which do not open at all are called cleistogamous. In such flowers, anthers and stigma lie close to each other. When the anthers dehisce in the flower buds, pollen grains come in contact with the stigma and pollination occurs. Cleistogamous flowers are not dependent on external agencies for pollination. Since, Cleistogamous flowers have self pollination and don't depend on pollination agents, anthesis is required in them as these flowers do not open at all.

So, the correct answer is A.