Question

Define the male sterility and self-incompatibility.

Hint:

Remember: Male sterility is the failure to produce functional pollen (used in hybrid seed production). Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-fertilization by rejecting self-pollen (promotes cross-pollination).

Answer 1

Step 1: Understanding the Question
The question asks for clear definitions of two important concepts in plant breeding: male sterility and self-incompatibility.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation
1. Male Sterility
Definition: Male sterility is a condition in a plant where it is unable to produce functional or viable pollen grains. The female reproductive parts (pistil) of the plant remain fertile and can be pollinated by pollen from another plant.
Purpose: It is a very useful tool in plant breeding for producing hybrid seeds. By using a male-sterile female parent, breeders can ensure cross-pollination without the need for manual removal of anthers (emasculation), which is a tedious process.

2. Self-Incompatibility
Definition: Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism in plants that prevents self-fertilization. It allows the pistil of a flower to recognize and reject its own pollen or pollen from a genetically similar plant.
Purpose: It is a natural mechanism to enforce cross-pollination and promote genetic diversity. This helps in avoiding inbreeding depression and maintaining the vigour of the species.

Step 3: Final Answer
Male Sterility is the inability of a plant to produce functional pollen, while its female parts remain fertile. Self-Incompatibility is a genetic mechanism that prevents a fertile plant from being fertilized by its own pollen.