Question

What are cleistogamous flowers? Can cross-pollination occur in cleistogamous flowers? State the reasons.

Hint:

Cleistogamous flowers have evolved to ensure self-pollination, which guarantees reproduction in the absence of pollinators.

Answer 1

Step 1: Define Cleistogamous Flowers. - Cleistogamous flowers are a type of flower that remains closed throughout their life and do not open up for pollination. These flowers self-pollinate due to their closed nature.
Step 2: Cross-Pollination in Cleistogamous Flowers. - Cross-pollination cannot occur in cleistogamous flowers as their anthers and stigma are within the closed flower and do not interact with external pollinators. Therefore, pollination occurs within the same flower (self-pollination).
Step 3: Reasons for Non-Occurrence of Cross-Pollination. - The closed nature of cleistogamous flowers prevents the transfer of pollen from one flower to another, eliminating the possibility of cross-pollination.
Final Answer: Cleistogamous flowers are self-pollinating flowers that remain closed and do not permit cross-pollination.