Module: | Double Fertilization & Endosperm
Q70: Consider the following statements regarding the phenomenon of bud pollination:
1. Bud pollination is a specific form of autogamy where pollen is transferred to the stigma before the flower buds naturally open.
2. This mechanism is highly prevalent in major self-pollinating agricultural crops such as wheat, rice, and peas.
3. Because it occurs in a closed bud, it guarantees significant genetic variation by relying on microscopic soil nematodes for pollen transfer.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
2. This mechanism is highly prevalent in major self-pollinating agricultural crops such as wheat, rice, and peas.
3. Because it occurs in a closed bud, it guarantees significant genetic variation by relying on microscopic soil nematodes for pollen transfer.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
✅ Correct Answer: A
The correct option is A. Statements 1 and 2 are correct, whereas Statement 3 is entirely absurd.
Bud pollination is an evolutionary structural timing mechanism.
Unlike cleistogamy (where flowers never open at all), flowers exhibiting bud pollination do eventually open (chasmogamous). However, causally, their anthers dehisce and their stigmas become receptive while the petals are still tightly closed in the bud stage.
This ensures 100 percent autogamy (self-pollination) before any foreign pollen can possibly be introduced.
It is the dominant reproductive strategy in critical staple crops like Pisum sativum (pea), Triticum (wheat), and Oryza (rice). Statement 3 is a heavy distractor.
Because it is obligate autogamy occurring in a sealed physical space, no external vectors (insects, wind, or nematodes) are involved, and the causal genetic result is extreme homozygosity (inbreeding), completely eliminating genetic variation rather than promoting it.
Bud pollination is an evolutionary structural timing mechanism.
Unlike cleistogamy (where flowers never open at all), flowers exhibiting bud pollination do eventually open (chasmogamous). However, causally, their anthers dehisce and their stigmas become receptive while the petals are still tightly closed in the bud stage.
This ensures 100 percent autogamy (self-pollination) before any foreign pollen can possibly be introduced.
It is the dominant reproductive strategy in critical staple crops like Pisum sativum (pea), Triticum (wheat), and Oryza (rice). Statement 3 is a heavy distractor.
Because it is obligate autogamy occurring in a sealed physical space, no external vectors (insects, wind, or nematodes) are involved, and the causal genetic result is extreme homozygosity (inbreeding), completely eliminating genetic variation rather than promoting it.