Question

In a group discussion on pollination, Shubham argued that Cleistogamy was a type of Xenogamy whereas Ameena was of the opinion that it was a kind of Autogamy. Whose argument is correct? Justify.

Hint:

Cleistogamous flowers ensure seed-set even in the absence of pollinators.

Answer 1

Step 1: Understand the terms involved.
Autogamy refers to pollination where pollen grains are transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower.
Xenogamy refers to pollination where pollen grains are transferred from the flower of one plant to the stigma of a flower on another plant of the same species.

Step 2: Understand cleistogamy.
Cleistogamy is a condition in which flowers remain closed and never open. Since the flower does not open, the pollen released from the anther automatically reaches the stigma of the same flower, resulting in self-pollination.

Step 3: Determine the correct argument.
Because cleistogamous flowers ensure pollination within the same flower, it is a form of autogamy and not xenogamy.

Final Answer:
Ameena's argument is correct because cleistogamy is a type of autogamy, where self-pollination occurs within the same closed flower without the involvement of external pollinating agents.