Question

What is the difference between cross- and self-fertilization?

- In cross-fertilization the pollen from one plant is used to fertilize the egg from the same plant.
- In cross-fertilization insects are used to pollinate the plants, whereas in self-fertilization the investigator pollinates the plants.
- In self-fertilization the pollen from one plant is used to fertilize the egg from another plant
- In cross-fertilization the pollen from one plant is used to fertilize the egg of another plant

Answer 1

Cross-fertilization involves the transfer of pollen from one plant to another, promoting genetic diversity, while self-fertilization occurs within the same plant, resulting in less genetic variation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The difference between cross-fertilization and self-fertilization is that in cross-fertilization, pollen from one plant fertilizes the egg of another plant, increasing genetic diversity, whereas in self-fertilization, pollen from the same plant fertilizes its own egg, which limits genetic variation.

Cross-fertilization can occur via biotic agents like insects, birds, or bats, or abiotic agents such as wind and water. Self-fertilization happens when a flower's stigma receives pollen from its own anther, often resulting in genetically identical offspring. Plants employ various mechanisms to enhance cross-fertilization and prevent self-fertilization, ensuring survival through greater genetic variation.

Notably, the famous researcher Gregor Mendel used controlled cross-pollination methods to produce hybrids in his pea plant experiments, laying the groundwork for the field of genetics.