Question

The given image shows two processes, ‘X’ and ‘Y’, both of which represent pollination. Which process will show more genetic variation after the process of fertilisation?

• A. Neither X nor Y depends on the process of sexual reproduction.
• B. None of the above.
• C. Only X will show genetic variation because there is no relation between the genetic makeup of the plants.
• D. Y will show more variation because both the plants are genetically different.

Answer 1

The correct option is D Y will show more variation because both the plants are genetically different.

X’ shows cross-pollination and ‘Y’ shows self-pollination. Cross-pollination exchanges genetic material between two plants, where the pollen grains of one plant fertilise the egg cells of another genetically different plant (but of the same species), which has different genetic information. This results in a new set of genetic information in the seedlings. In self-pollination, the pollen grains of a plant fertilise the ovule of the same plant. As a result new genes are not added to the seedlings.