Home
Class 11
BIOLOGY
Self - incompatibility is...

Self - incompatibility is

A

the production of unisexual flowers

B

a genetic mechanism which prevents self pollen from fertilizing the ovules

C

an ecological mechanism which prevents self pollen from fertilizing the ovules

D

production of male and female flowers on different plants

Text Solution

AI Generated Solution

The correct Answer is:
### Step-by-Step Solution: 1. **Definition of Self-Incompatibility**: Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism in flowering plants that prevents self-pollen from fertilizing the ovules of the same plant. This mechanism is crucial for promoting genetic diversity. 2. **Mechanism of Action**: This mechanism works by preventing pollen grains from one flower of a plant from fertilizing the ovules of another flower on the same plant. It ensures that fertilization occurs only between different plants, thereby promoting outcrossing. 3. **Types of Flowers**: In many cases, self-incompatibility is associated with the production of unisexual flowers. This means that a plant may produce either male or female flowers, but not both, which further reduces the chances of self-fertilization. 4. **Ecological Aspect**: While self-incompatibility is primarily a genetic mechanism, it can also have ecological implications. For example, it can lead to the production of male and female flowers on different plants, which encourages cross-pollination. 5. **Importance in Plant Families**: Self-incompatibility is commonly observed in certain plant families, such as the Solanaceae family. This family includes many important crops and ornamental plants. 6. **Benefits of Self-Incompatibility**: The primary benefit of self-incompatibility is that it prevents inbreeding, which can lead to a reduction in genetic diversity and increased vulnerability to diseases. By promoting outcrossing, plants can maintain healthier populations.
Promotional Banner

Similar Questions

Explore conceptually related problems

Assertion : Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism which prevents self-pollination and thereby fertilisation by inhibiting either pollen germination or pollen tube growth in the pistil. Reason : In gametophytic self-incompatibility, the incompatibility reaction is determined by the genotype of the sporophytic tissue of the plant from which the pollen is derived.

A parent with an S_1S_2 genotype exhibiting sporophytic self - incompatibility . Which of the following plant genotypes of the pollen grains of the same species it can fertilize ?

Does self incompatibility impose any restrictions on autogamy ? Give reasons and suggest the method of pollination in such plant .

What is self-incompatibility? Why does self-pollination not lead to seed formation in self-incompatible species?

What is correct about self-incompatibility ?

Angiosperm flowers may be monoecious, clestogamous or show self-incompatibility. Describe the characteristic features of each one of them and state which one of these flowers promotes inbreeding and outbreeding respectively.