What Is the Difference Between Pollination and Fertilisation in Plants
Pollination is the act of movement of pollen grains from the male reproductive part of a flower to the stigma, which is the female reproductive part. The transfer of pollen can take place through butterflies, honey bees, wind etc.
Types of Pollination
The categorisation of pollination is based on the method of movement of pollen grains from flower to flower. There are primarily two kinds of pollination
Self-Pollination
Cross-Pollination
In self-pollination, pollen grains remain within the flower as it moves from its anther to stigma. However, in cross-pollination, presence of a vector is required, and the grains are transferred from one flower to another. The vectors can be air, insects or birds. Advancement in science has also allowed artificial pollination by man, especially for pollinating palm trees.
This aspect goes on to explain how the process of pollination is different from fertilisation.
Process of Pollination
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Process of pollination, as mentioned, also reflects the point of distinction according to the difference between pollination and fertilisation Class 10.
Pollen grain reaches a sticky stigma of a flower
Pollen tube expands across the Style also receiving male sperm
Sperm nuclei attach to female ovules
Fun Facts!
While insects may appear to be insignificant, they act as the primary pollinator agents. Around 200,000 – 300,000 invertebrate species like beetles, butterflies, moths, mosquitoes, flies, bees spread pollen between thousands of trees. Close to 2000 vertebrate species like mammals, birds and reptiles also act as pollinator agents.
Among all these agents, the little honeybee is the most important one!
What is Plant Fertilisation?
Plant fertilisation includes a fusion of male gametes (originating in the pollen tube of a flower) with the ovum (the female gamete). Fertilisation within a flower is necessarily preceded by pollination.
Process of Plant Fertilisation
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Both male and female gametes fuse to create a zygote
Zygote divides to form an embryo
Embryo remains within ovule, and the latter develops into seed with tissues while ovary converts into fruit
The steps and outcome of the process of plant fertilisation include the difference of pollination and fertilisation.
Difference Between Pollination and Fertilisation
Test Your Knowledge
i. What is the primary purpose of a pollen tube?
(a) Allowing pollen movement from stigma to ovary for plant fertilisation
(b) Attracting pollination agents
(c) Producing nectar from pollen
(d) Protecting movement from anther to stigma
Ans: (a) Allowing pollen movement from stigma to ovary for plant fertilisation
ii. In plant fertilisation, male gametes transported by wildlife or wind takes place through:
(a) Pollen
(b) Stamen
(c) Bees only
(d) Petals
Ans. (a) Pollen
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How to study Fertilisation and Pollination by making notes
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FAQs on Differences Between Pollination and Fertilisation in Flowering Plants
1. What is the difference between pollination and fertilisation?
The main difference between pollination and fertilisation is that pollination is the transfer of pollen to the stigma, while fertilisation is the fusion of male and female gametes to form a zygote.
- Pollination occurs on the surface of the flower (stigma).
- Fertilisation occurs inside the ovule within the ovary.
- Pollination happens before fertilisation.
- Fertilisation results in the formation of a zygote.
2. What is pollination in plants?
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from the anther to the stigma of a flower. It is the first step in plant reproduction and enables fertilisation to occur.
- Occurs in flowering plants (angiosperms).
- Can be self-pollination or cross-pollination.
- Often involves agents like wind, water, or animals.
3. What is fertilisation in flowering plants?
Fertilisation in flowering plants is the fusion of the male gamete with the female gamete inside the ovule to form a zygote. It takes place after successful pollination.
- Male gametes travel through the pollen tube.
- Occurs inside the ovary.
- Leads to seed and fruit formation.
4. How does pollination occur step by step?
Pollination occurs when pollen grains are transferred from the anther to the stigma of a flower. The process includes:
- Pollen grains are produced in the anther.
- Pollen is carried by wind, insects, birds, or water.
- Pollen lands on the stigma of the same or another flower.
- The pollen grain germinates and forms a pollen tube.
5. How does fertilisation occur after pollination?
Fertilisation occurs after pollination when the male gamete fuses with the female gamete inside the ovule. The steps include:
- The pollen grain forms a pollen tube.
- The tube grows down the style to the ovary.
- Male gametes enter the ovule.
- Fusion forms a zygote (double fertilisation occurs in angiosperms).
6. What are the types of pollination?
The two main types of pollination are self-pollination and cross-pollination.
- Self-pollination: Pollen is transferred to the stigma of the same flower or plant.
- Cross-pollination: Pollen is transferred between flowers of different plants of the same species.
- Cross-pollination increases genetic variation.
7. What is double fertilisation?
Double fertilisation is a unique process in angiosperms where two fusion events occur inside the ovule. It involves:
- One male gamete fuses with the egg to form a zygote.
- The second male gamete fuses with two polar nuclei to form the endosperm.
- This ensures nourishment for the developing embryo.
8. Why is pollination important for fertilisation?
Pollination is important because it enables the male gametes to reach the female reproductive part for fertilisation. Without pollination:
- The pollen cannot reach the stigma.
- No pollen tube forms.
- Fertilisation cannot occur.
- Seeds and fruits will not develop.
9. What happens if pollination occurs but fertilisation does not?
If pollination occurs but fertilisation does not, no zygote or seed is formed. This may happen due to:
- Failure of pollen tube growth.
- Non-viable male or female gametes.
- Genetic incompatibility between plants.
- Unfavourable environmental conditions.
10. What structures are involved in pollination and fertilisation?
Pollination and fertilisation involve specific reproductive structures of the flower. Key structures include:
- Anther: Produces pollen grains.
- Stigma: Receives pollen.
- Style: Connects stigma to ovary.
- Ovary: Contains ovules.
- Ovule: Site of fertilisation.
