How do unisexual and bisexual flowers affect plant reproduction?

Unisexual and bisexual flowers influence how plants reproduce by affecting pollination methods and genetic diversity.

• Bisexual flowers can self-pollinate (using pollen from the same flower or plant), which may lower genetic diversity.
• Unisexual flowers, having only male or female parts, rely on cross-pollination, which boosts genetic diversity since pollen must come from another flower—often on a separate plant.

Bisexual Flowers

Structure: Have both male (stamens) and female (pistil) reproductive parts within one flower.

Pollination Type: Can undergo both self-pollination and cross-pollination.

Reproductive Result:

• Self-pollination reduces genetic variation.
• Cross-pollination maintains or increases variation. Examples: Rose, sunflower, mustard, tomato.

Unisexual Flowers

Structure: Have either male (stamens) or female (pistil) reproductive parts, not both.

Pollination Type: Only cross-pollination is possible.

Reproductive Result:

• Encourages higher genetic diversity since pollen must move between different flowers, usually on separate plants. Examples: Corn, papaya, cucumber.