Table of Contents
Introduction: Pollination Types
The reproductive process in plants is called pollen. A pollinated plant is called a pollinated plant. There may be different types of pollen such as self-pollination and cross-pollination and these two types also have subdivisions, further, which we will study in more detail. So let’s start by understanding the pollen in flowering plants. We will learn about the types of pollen in plants.
Pollen is the reproductive process in plants. This process can be of different types, such as cross-pollination and self-defence, and these two types also have sub-categories that we will look at in more detail. The word pollination comes from pollen grains.
Pollen grains are the bodies of one invisible cell that contains the male reproductive cell of plants. Pollen is also called sperm cells or male gametes of the plant. Pollen occurs when the pollen grains from the male part of the plant (anther) are transferred to the female part of the plant, called the stigma.
Before we go any further we should know that flowers are part of the plant’s reproductive system.
After the pollen grains have settled successfully on the pollen they form a pollen tube with a stylistic length, a long stem that connects the stem and the ovary of a flower. When pollen formation is complete, sperm cells from the pollen grains through the pollen tube are sent down to the uterus.
As the sperm cell and the fertilized eggs hatch, fertilization takes place and fertilization of these cells results in the formation of sperm. Later the seeds are separated from the parent plant, the seed grows into another plant and from that plant pollinates. In this way the stagnant animals reproduce by pollination.
Different Types of Pollen
There are basically two types of pollen:
- self-pollination.
- cross-pollination.
Although self-pollination is the primary form of pollination, cross-pollination is a little more complicated. Now we will study for ourselves and cross-pollination in detail.
Self Pollination
This type of pollen works with only one flower and that is why it is a basic form of pollination. When grain pollen from the male part of the flower (anther) falls directly on the pollen that is the female part of the same flower and fertilization occurs, this type of pollen is called self-pollination.
Pollen plants are called pollinating plants. Some examples of pollinated plants are: wheat, apricots, rice, peanuts etc.
A self-pollination is also a form of pollen, and it has small stages as well. Let’s read them as a form of accountability for yourself.
Types of Self Pollination
Self-pollination can be of two types.
- Autogamy
This type of self-pollination occurs when the transfer of sperm cells from the pollen grains to the skin occurs within the same flower.
Autogamy is possible under some circumstances like
- Both the anther and the stigma of the same flower should be open
- Discrimination should be arranged to get pollen when it is released into the air
- Anther and swearing should be close enough
Geitonogamy
This type of reaction occurs when the transfer of pollen grains from the male part of the plant to the female part of the plant occurs in different but single-flowering plants.
Geitonogamy appears to be cross-pollination and requires a pollination agent but as it comes from the same plant it is called self-pollination.
- Cross-Pollination
This type of pollen is very complex as here the transfer of pollen grains occurs from the edge of one flower to the skin of a different flower. It is also called xenogamy. The movement of pollen grains in pollen separation is possible through pollinating agents.
Pollen agents can be anything like animals, insects, spirits and other living things as well as biotic. Usually, pollen grains occur in brightly coloured flowers as their colour and scent attract insects like bees. Some of the cross-pollination plants are lavender, strawberry, apple, dandelion etc.
Types of Cross-Pollination
- Pollen through living organisms such as animals, insects, birds etc.
- Pollen through organic matter such as air, water etc.
Pollen through biotic processes involves the movement of pollen grains when they attach to other organisms such as animals or bees or insects and as these agents transport the trapped pollen is transferred to another plant and fertilization occurs.
Pollen through abiotic properties involves the movement of pollen grains when the wind blows or water is sprayed or rainwater is spread.
Let’s take a look at air pollination and through this, we will learn about pollen through other abiotic agents.
In pollen, pollen maturation occurs by the transfer of pollen from the flower of one flower to the pollen of other flowers by air. Wind-pollinated plants are called wind-induced plants.
The process
The word pollination comes from the pollen grains found in flowers that are responsible for their reproduction.
These pollen grains are the different bodies that make up the male reproductive cell of a plant. These pollen grains are also known as plant sperm cells. This process occurs when pollen from one plant is transferred to the female part of another plant, commonly known as stigma.
Flowers are parts of a plant that contains these reproductive organs.
When pollen grains successfully fall on the stigma, a pollen tube is formed known as style; this part is the long stem responsible for making the stem meet the ovary (female part) of the flower.
After this procedure is performed, the sperm cells go into the uterus in style; when sperm cells and egg cells meet, fertilization occurs, which leads to sperm growth.
The seed is then separated from the parent plant and grows into another plant as it continues its process.
Pollen: It is the process of transferring pollen grains from the seeds to the processes of flowers. Androecium is the male reproductive organ and gynoecium is the female reproductive organ.
The two polling agents are:
Insects
Birds
The fertilization process leads to fertilization in the sense that, In flowering plants, the eggs are contained within an empty organ called the pistil (the basic unit of gynoecium), and pollen is deposited in the pistil receptor. When the pollen sprouts and produces a pollen tube, it grows down the pistil to one of the eggs below it. The growing egg then converts itself into plant seeds.
Also Read about: Seed Dispersal
FAQs
Question: Describe Pollen and Its Types?
Answer: Pollen refers to the process by which plants can reproduce. The pollen grains found in the anther of the flower which is the male part of the flower when they settle on the flower stem which is the female part of the flower lead to fertilization in the uterus. Fertilization leads to the formation of seeds that are farther away from the plant and later grow into another plant and in this way the production of these immovable plants is possible. Pollen can basically be of two types
- Self-pollination.
- Cross-pollination.
Question: What are Self-pollination Types?
Answer: Self-pollination is a basic type of pollination; it refers to that type of pollination in which pollen grain from anther talls directly on to the stigma of the same flower. Self-pollination requires several conditions to be fulfilled like:
The anther and stigma of the flower undergoing pollination should be open.
Anther and stigma should be close enough to each other for self-pollination to take place.
Stigma should be able to receive the pollen grain released by the stigma.
Type of self-pollination are:
- Autogamy
- Geitonogam
