Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.
In one line: Pollination is pollen placement, not gamete fusion.
Practice This ConceptUnderstand it
Pollination may be self-pollination, where pollen reaches the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant, or cross-pollination, where pollen reaches a flower on a different plant of the same species. Wind, water, insects, birds, and other agents can help transfer pollen.
Example
Rule to remember
Pollination precedes fertilisation; self-pollination occurs within the same plant, cross-pollination occurs between different plants of the same species.
See it worked out
Follow the example line by line, then use the same method on new questions.
Worked example
If pollen from one mustard plant reaches the stigma of another mustard plant, it is cross-pollination because two different plants of the same species are involved.
Method you can reuse
Visual tip
A flow arrow can show anther to stigma, with agents such as insect or wind marked beside the arrow.
Check yourself
Answer the question in your head before opening the answer.
Try it yourself
Why is pollination necessary before fertilisation in flowering plants?
Think first, then show answerHide answer
Common wrong answer
Saying pollen transfer from anther to ovary.
Why it loses marks: Pollen is first received by the stigma.
Don't mix this up
Exam tip
Write it in the exam
Each point is worth about one mark. Write point 1 for a 1-mark question and keep adding points as the marks go up.
How CBSE asks it
- 1
Enough for 1 mark
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.
- 2
Add for 2 marks
Example: Bright petals and nectar help insect-pollinated flowers attract insects that carry pollen from one flower to another.
- 3
Add for 3 marks
Pollination may be self-pollination, where pollen reaches the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant, or cross-pollination, where pollen reaches a flower on a different plant of the same species.
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