8. Reproduction in Plants

Pollination:

It is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower.

It is the first step to start the process of sexual reproduction in plants.

Diagram:

About pollen grains:

1. Pollen grains have a tough protective coat.
2. This prevents the pollens from drying up.
3. Pollen grains are very light.

Agents of Pollination:

1. Wind & water: Pollen can be easily carried by wind & water as they are light.
2. Insects & birds: They visit flowers & carry pollen on their bodies. 

To remember:

1. Sexual reproduction in plants begins with pollination.
2. Pollination is transfer of pollen grains with the help of pollinating agents.

There are two types of pollination:

1. Self pollination:

• The pollen grain lands on the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the same plant.
• This type of pollination does not depend on pollinating agents.
• The new plant is genetically similar to the parent plant.
• Eg: peas, rice, wheat, tomato, etc.

Diagram:

2. Cross pollination:

• The pollen grain lands on the stigma a flower of a different plant of the same kind.
• This type of pollination depends on pollinating agents like water, wind & insects.
• It increases genetic diversity.
• Eg: apple, maize, sunflower, coconut, etc. 

Diagram: