Define the term pollination. Differentiate between self and cross pollination. What is the significance of pollination?
OR
Explain the different types of pollination. List two agents of pollination? How does suitable pollination lead to fertilization?

Explanation

The transfer of pollen from the stamen to the stigma is known as pollination.
Types of Pollination:
Self-Pollination: When the pollen is transferred from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the same flower, it is called as self-pollination
Cross-Pollination: When the pollen is transferred from the anthers of a flower to the stigma of the different flower of same species, it is called as Cross-pollination. It is always dependant on another agent to cause the transfer of pollen. Significance is to carry the pollen grains to the stigma for the process of fertilisation.
Agents of pollination include wind, water, animals etc.
Fertilization: After pollination, when pollen has landed on the stigma of a suitable flower of the same species, can a chain of events happen that ends in the making of seeds.
A tube grows out of pollen grain and travels through the style to reach the female germ cells present in ovule in the ovary. Out of two male gametes present in pollen tube one fuses with egg to form zygote. This fusion is called fertilization. After fertilization, the zygote divides several times to form an embryo within the ovule. The ovule develops a tough coat and gradually turns into a seed. The ovary grows rapidly and ripens to form a fruit.