Plant Life : The Flower

Transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma

Step 1: Pollination and fertilization are two different processes — a common source of confusion. Step 2: Pollination is specifically the transfer of pollen grains from the anthers (male part) to the stigma (female part) of a flower. Step 3: Fusion of gametes is called Fertilization, not pollination. Step 4: Growth of seed into plant is Germination. Step 5: Formation of fruit happens after fertilization. So pollination is only the transfer of pollen — the correct answer is option B.

Self pollination

Step 1: There are two main types of pollination — self pollination and cross pollination. Step 2: Self pollination occurs when pollen from the anther falls on the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. Step 3: Cross pollination occurs between flowers of two different plants of the same kind. Step 4: Wind and water pollination are agents of cross pollination, not separate types. Step 5: Since the question says 'same flower', the answer is Self pollination.

Marigold

Step 1: Insects are attracted to flowers that are brightly coloured, fragrant, and produce nectar. Step 2: Marigold is a brightly coloured, fragrant flower that produces nectar — it is a classic example of insect-pollinated flowers. Step 3: Maize and Pine produce dry, light pollen in large quantities — they are wind-pollinated. Step 4: Vallisneria is an aquatic plant pollinated by water. Step 5: Therefore, Marigold is the correct answer for insect pollination.

Fertilization

Step 1: After pollination, pollen grains land on the stigma and germinate to form pollen tubes. Step 2: The pollen tube grows down through the style and reaches the ovary. Step 3: Inside the ovary, the male gamete from the pollen tube fuses with the female gamete (egg cell) inside the ovule. Step 4: This fusion of male and female sex cells (gametes) is called Fertilization. Step 5: Pollination is only the transfer of pollen; fertilization is the actual union of gametes — so Fertilization is the correct answer.