हिंदी

Self-pollination - Autogamy

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Estimated time: 11 minutes
CBSE: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Definition: Autogamy

When pollen grains from the anther are transferred to the stigma of the same flower, it is known as autogamy.

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Autogamy

Autogamy is a type of self-pollination in which pollen grains are transferred from the anther to the stigma of the same flower. It is possible only in bisexual (hermaphrodite) flowers - flowers that possess both the male (anther) and female (stigma) reproductive organs.

Conditions Required for Autogamy:

For autogamy to successfully occur in a chasmogamous (open) flower, all three of the following conditions must be met simultaneously:

  1. Bisexuality:
    The flower must possess both the anther (male) and the stigma (female) within the same flower. Autogamy is impossible in unisexual flowers.
  2. Synchrony (Homogamy):
    Pollen release (anther dehiscence) and stigma receptivity must occur at the same time. Even minor timing differences prevent self-pollination.
  3. Proximity:
    The anther and stigma must be sufficiently close to each other so that pollen can land on the stigma without external transport agents (wind, insects, water).
CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Types of Flowers in Autogamy

Some plants such as Viola (common pansy), Oxalis (wood sorrel), Commelina, and Impatiens (balsam) produce two different types of flowers on the same plant. Understanding the distinction is crucial for CBSE examinations.

Feature Chasmogamous Flowers Cleistogamous Flowers
Opening Open; expose anthers & stigma Never open (permanently closed)
Pollination Type Autogamy, geitonogamy, or xenogamy possible Exclusively autogamous
Pollinators Required? Sometimes needed Not required
Petal Size / Colour Showy, bright, and attractive Small, dull, inconspicuous
Seed Set Depends on pollination conditions Guaranteed even without pollinators
Genetic Variation Possible (cross-pollination may occur) None — genetically identical offspring
Examples Viola (aerial), Commelina (aerial) ViolaOxalisCommelina benghalensis (underground)

CBSE: Class 12
Maharashtra State Board: Class 12
CISCE: Class 12

Key Points: Autogamy

  • Meaning - Autogamy is the transfer of pollen grains from anther to the stigma of the same flower.
  • Conditions for Autogamy - Requires synchrony in pollen release, stigma receptivity, and anthers & stigma close to each other.
  • Complete Autogamy is Rare - In flowers where anthers and stigma are open and exposed, complete autogamy rarely occurs.
  • Chasmogamous Flowers - Flowers that open normally with exposed anthers and stigma (e.g., Viola, Oxalis, Commelina).
  • Cleistogamous Flowers - Flowers that never open; anthers and stigma lie close together, ensuring assured autogamy without pollinators (e.g., Viola, Oxalis, Commelina).
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