Definition

Noun: - The fertilization of a flower by pollen from the same flower or from another flower on the same plant: This is a biological process in plants where the transfer of pollen occurs within a single flower or between flowers of the same individual plant, leading to fertilization and seed production.

Usage

• General Use: The term is used primarily in botany, biology, and gardening to describe a specific reproductive mechanism in plants.
• Context: It is used to discuss plant reproduction, genetics, agriculture, and horticulture. It is often contrasted with "cross-pollination."

Examples

• Noun:
  • Some plants, like peas and tomatoes, rely on self-pollination to reproduce.
  • The closed structure of the flower ensures self-pollination occurs before it opens.
  • Farmers sometimes prefer crops capable of self-pollination for their genetic consistency.

Advanced Usage

• "to undergo self-pollination": to experience or carry out the process.
  • The orchid species can undergo self-pollination if no insects are present.
• "a mechanism for self-pollination": a specific structural or behavioral adaptation that facilitates the process.
  • The flower's stamens bending over the stigma is a mechanism for self-pollination.

Variants and Related Words

• Self-pollinate (verb): To fertilize by self-pollination.
  • Many flowers are designed to self-pollinate.
• Self-pollinated (adjective): Describing a plant or flower that has undergone this process.
  • The self-pollinated plants produced uniform offspring.
• Self-pollinating (adjective): Capable of or relating to self-pollination.
  • This is a self-pollinating variety of bean.

Synonyms

• Autogamy: (Technical) The fusion of male and female gametes from the same individual.
• Self-fertilization: Often used interchangeably, though it can more specifically refer to the fusion of gametes after pollination has occurred.

Antonyms

• Cross-pollination: Fertilization by pollen from a flower on a different plant of the same species.
• Allogamy: (Technical) Fertilization involving gametes from different individuals.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Cleistogamy: A condition where flowers self-pollinate without ever opening.
  • Some violets exhibit cleistogamy, a form of self-pollination.
• Reproductive assurance: An advantage of self-pollination, ensuring seed set even in the absence of pollinators.
  • Self-pollination provides reproductive assurance in isolated environments.

Noun

1. fertilization by transfer of pollen from the anthers to the stigma of the same flower