Difference Between Cross-Pollination And Self Pollination
Cross-pollination and Self-pollination are part of the reproductive process of the plants. Pollination involves the transfer of pollen from the male reproductive part(anther) to the female reproductive part (stigma) of a flower. Cross-pollination occurs in plants that are genetically different and promotes genetic diversity while self-pollination occurs in the genetically same plants and it limits the genetic variation.
Table of Content
- Difference between Self pollination and cross pollination
- Self-pollination Vs Cross-pollination Diagram
- What is self pollination?
- What is cross pollination?
- Similarities between self pollination and cross pollination
- FAQs on self pollination and cross pollination.
Difference Between Self-Pollination and Cross-Pollination
The difference between Self-Pollination and Cross-Pollination are as follows:
Characteristics |
Self-Pollination |
Cross-Pollination |
Pollen Transfer | Pollen grains are transferred to the stigma of the same flower | Pollen grains are transferred to the stigma of the different flower |
Pollinator | No external aid is required pollen is directly transferred | Pollen grains are transferred with the help of an insect and wind |
Occurrence | It occurs in a flower that is genetically the same | It occurs in flowers that are genetically different |
Pollen Transfer | A limited amount of pollen grains are produced | Large quantities of pollen grains are produced |
Anther and Stigma |
In self pollination anther and stigma matures at the same time. |
In cross pollination anther and stigma matures at different time. |
Genetic diversity |
Genetic diversity decreases and genetic uniformity increases. |
Genetic diversity increases. |
Gene Pool |
Reduces the gene pool |
Maintains the gene pool |
Breeding |
Results in inbreeding |
Results in outbreeding |
Progeny |
Homozygous is produced in progeny |
Heterozygous is produced in progeny |
Quantity | A limited number of pollens are transferred | Large quantities of pollen are transferred |
Breeding | Causes inbreeding | Causes outbreeding |
External conditions | It can be carried out whether the flower is open or closed | It can occurs only when the flower is open |
Examples | It can be observed in sunflowers, peas, orchids, and peanuts | It can be observed in plums, tulips, strawberries, and raspberries |
Self-pollination Vs Cross-pollination Diagram
What is Self Pollination?
Self-pollination is a type of pollination in which pollen grains are transferred to the stigma or the ovule of the same plant. In some self-pollination processes an external aid such as wind or insect is required. Additionally, there are two types of self-pollination i.e. Autogamy and Geitonofamay. Autogamy occurs within the same flower by transfer of pollen from anther to the stigma of same flower while in Geitonofamay pollen is transfered to the anther of different flower but of the same plant. In self pollination reproduction is ensured even in the absence of the external agent for pollination.
Self pollination Examples: Peas, Beans, Tomato, Wheat, Barley, and Rice.
Also Read: Androecium
What is Cross-Pollination?
Cross-pollination is a process in which the pollen is transferred from the stigma of one plant to the ovules of another plant. It requires an external agent for the transfer of the pollen like wind, insects, etc. It promotes genetic diversity within plant population that ensures adaptability of the plants to the changing environment and also leads to evolution. Artificially it is easier to carry out cross pollination.
Cross pollination Examples: Plums, Tulips, Strawberries, and Raspberries.
Similarities Between Self-Pollination & Cross-Pollination
- The germination takes place in stigma, both in self-pollination and cross-pollination.
- The pollen transfer takes place from anther to stigma in both cross and self-pollination.
- Self-pollination and cross-pollination both take place in plants of the same species.
- In both the pollination, male nuclei of the germ cell fertilize the female ovule and develops into embryo.
FAQs on Self and Cross-Pollination
1. What is self pollination?
Answer:
Self pollination is define as the transfer of the pollen grain from the anther to the sigma of the same plant.
2. What is cross pollination?
Answer:
Cross pollination is defined as the transfer of the pollen grain from the male reproductive part(anther) of one plant to the female reproductive part(stigma) of the different plant.
3. What are examples of self-pollinating plants?
Answer:
Peas, beans, tomatoes, and many grains like wheat and rice are examples of self-pollinating plants.
4. Why is cross-pollination important?
Answer:
Cross-pollination increases genetic diversity, making plant populations more resilient to changing environments and less susceptible to diseases.
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