Follow the directions in the Gizmo to observe the steps of self-pollination. In your own words, describe what happens in each step.
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
In self-pollination, a flower’s pollen fertilizes its own ovule, leading to the production of seeds. The following are the key steps in the process:
- Pollen Release: The first step in self-pollination is the release of pollen from the anthers (the male part of the flower). Pollen is released when the flower reaches maturity, typically when the stigma (the female part) is ready to receive it.
- Transfer of Pollen: In this step, pollen from the anther is transferred to the stigma of the same flower. In some flowers, this occurs naturally, due to wind, gravity, or mechanical action such as the flower’s movement. The pollen grains land on the stigma, where they begin to germinate.
- Pollen Germination: After landing on the stigma, the pollen grain absorbs moisture and begins to germinate. A pollen tube grows out from the grain, and it travels down the style (the tube that connects the stigma and the ovary) toward the ovary. This is where fertilization will eventually occur.
- Fertilization: The final step in self-pollination occurs when the pollen tube reaches the ovary and releases sperm cells. One of these sperm cells fuses with an egg cell in the ovule, forming a zygote. The fertilized egg develops into a seed.
- Seed Development: Once fertilization has occurred, the ovule transforms into a seed, and the surrounding parts of the flower (such as the ovary) mature into a fruit. This ensures that the flower will produce offspring through self-pollination.
Self-pollination is a type of asexual reproduction that guarantees the continuation of the plant species even in the absence of pollinators. However, it also leads to reduced genetic diversity compared to cross-pollination.
