Pollination Biological & Biomedical Sciences Coursework (Coursework Sample)

POLLINATION
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Definition of pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains by external agents ( e.g., insects and wind) from the anthers to the stigmas of flowers. Transfer of pollen grains from the anthers to the stigmas on the same flower, or another flower on the same plant, is referred to as self-pollination. Transfer to stigmas in another plant of the same species is referred to as cross-pollination. In self-pollination, there is no possibility of genetic mixing, and the offspring are similar to the parents. If this occurs for several generations, it results in a decline of vigor and productivity. Cross-pollination enables the mixing of genetic qualities between different plants of the same species. For example, if a given plant has a certain poor quality e.g., high susceptibility to a particular disease or pest, cross-pollination with a resistant plant may result in offspring that are resistant. Offspring of cross-pollination, are more vigorous, have higher productivity, and are more resistant to diseases than those of self-pollination. Resistant forms of plants are called hybrid vigor.
Importance of pollination to the environment
Carbon sequestration