Question

Define the term pollination. Differentiate between self pollination and cross pollination. What is the significance of pollination?

Answer 1

Pollination- It is the process of transferring pollen grains from the male part of the flower (i.e, Anther) to the female part of the same or different flower (i.e, stigma).

Self Pollination	Cross-Pollination
$\to$ It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of the same flower or another flower borne on the same plant.	$\to$ It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower borne on a different plant of the same species.
$\to$ External agent not required.	$\to$ External agent (like- Wind, water, insects, etc) is always required
$\to$ Produce homozygous offsprings.	$\to$ Produces heterozygous offsprings.
$\to$ Does not Introduce any variations.	$\to$ Introduce variations.
$\to$ Both male and female reproductive parts mature at the same time.	$\to$ Male and female reproductive parts of the flower mature at different times.

Significance of pollination-
$\to$ For fertilization and zygote formation to take place, pollination is required.

$\to$ Pollination helps in the production of seeds and fruits which ensures the continuity of plant species.

$\to$ Cross-pollination helps in the production of variation in species.
$\to$ Pollination is a pre-requisite for fertilization in flowering plants.