Question

Explain the difference between self-pollination and cross-pollination.

Answer 1

Self-pollination:

1. In this process, the pollen grains from the anther or the flower's male reproductive structure get transferred to the stigma or the female reproductive structure of the same flower or of another flower on the same plant.
2. The pollen grains are carried by the wind, water, or animals.

Cross-pollination:

1. The process of the transfer of pollen grain from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another is referred to as cross-pollination.
2. Cross-pollination can be carried out by the wind as well as bees and other birds or animals.

Self-pollination	Cross-pollination
1. Same or different flowers of the same plant species are involved.	1. In this case, two flowers of different plants are involved.
2. In the case of self-pollination, the same plant's genetic material is used to form gametes, and finally, the zygote.	2. Occurs in both perfect and imperfect flowers.
3. Here, no pollinating agents are involved.	3. Various pollinating agents such as wind, water, animals, insects, etc. are involved.
4. Seen in plants such as wheat, rice, pea, orchids, barley, etc.	4. Insects cross-pollinate many fruit-bearing plants like apples, strawberries, grapes, plums, and flowers like tulips and daffodils.
5. Hence, self-pollination leads to the production of plants that do not have genetic diversity.	5.This method of pollination leads to an increase in genetic diversity.