The Question is from neet-botany sexual-reproduction-in-flowering-plants , and it was created by the author Mr. NARESH KUMAR K

Question

A flower exhibiting cleistogamy, but with viable pollen grains, fails to produce seeds.  Which of the following is the LEAST likely explanation for this observation?

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Accepted Answer

## CORE INFORMATION
✓ **Answer**: A. Lack of pollinating agents
## CONCEPT FRAMEWORK
	**Primary Concept**: Cleistogamy and Plant Reproduction
	**Related Topics**: Pollination, Fertilization, Seed Development
	**Prerequisites**: Understanding of sexual reproduction in plants
## SOLUTION PATHWAY
**Given Information**:
	- Cleistogamous flower: Flowers that self-pollinate within closed buds.
	- Viable pollen grains: Functional pollen capable of fertilization.
	- No seed production: Fertilization or subsequent seed development is hampered.
**Method & Steps**:
	1. Understand Cleistogamy:
		Reasoning: Cleistogamous flowers are adapted for self-pollination, meaning they do not rely on external agents like wind or insects for pollen transfer.  The pollen is released within the closed bud and lands on the stigma of the same flower.
	2. Analyze the problem:
		Working: Since the flower is cleistogamous and has viable pollen, pollination is inherently ensured. The problem lies *after* pollination.
	3. Identify the least likely cause:
		Result: Lack of pollinating agents is irrelevant in cleistogamy.  The issue must be related to events after pollination, such as pollen tube growth, stigma function, or fertilization itself.
		Verification: The question asks for the LEAST likely explanation, which is the one eliminated by the nature of cleistogamy.
## OPTION ANALYSIS
[A] ✓: Lack of pollinating agents: Cleistogamous flowers self-pollinate within closed buds, making external pollinating agents unnecessary. This is the least likely reason for seed failure.
[B] :x: Failure of pollen tube growth: If the pollen tube fails to grow down the style to the ovary, fertilization cannot occur, preventing seed formation. This is a plausible reason.
[C] :x: Non-functional stigma: A non-functional stigma would prevent pollen grains from adhering and germinating, hindering fertilization and seed production.  This is a plausible reason.
[D] :x: Problems with fertilization: Even if pollination and pollen tube growth are successful, problems with fertilization itself (e.g., incompatibility between gametes) can prevent seed development. This is a plausible reason.
## LEARNING AIDS
	**Common Mistakes**:
		1. Ignoring the meaning of cleistogamy:  Understanding that cleistogamous flowers self-pollinate is crucial to answering this question correctly.
		2. Not focusing on the 'LEAST likely' aspect: The question specifically asks for the least likely explanation, requiring careful consideration of each option's relevance to cleistogamy.
	**Quick Tips**:
		1. Remember that 'cleisto-' often implies 'closed' or 'hidden,' hinting at self-pollination.
		2. Consider the sequence of events in plant reproduction (pollination, pollen tube growth, fertilization, seed development) to eliminate unlikely causes.

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

The correct Option is "Lack of pollinating agents"

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Failure of pollen tube growth

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Non-functional stigma

Mr. NARESH KUMAR K · Answer

Problems with fertilization

NEET Botany Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants MCQs

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