Q4 / 200 · MHT CET - Medical 2026 (25 April Shift 2) · Biology
Which one of the following is NOT an outbreeding device to promote cross pollination?
- AHerkogamy
- BSelf sterility
- CHeteromorphy
- Correct answerDCleistogamy
Solution
Outbreeding devices are mechanisms developed by plants to prevent self-pollination and promote cross-pollination.
Herkogamy is the presence of a physical barrier between the anther and stigma, which prevents self-pollination.
Self-sterility or self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-pollen from fertilizing the ovules of the same flower.
Heteromorphy involves the production of flowers with different lengths of styles and stamens, which promotes cross-pollination.
Cleistogamy refers to the condition where flowers never open, ensuring strict self-pollination and completely preventing cross-pollination. Thus, it is an inbreeding device, not an outbreeding device.
Answer: Cleistogamy
Herkogamy is the presence of a physical barrier between the anther and stigma, which prevents self-pollination.
Self-sterility or self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism that prevents self-pollen from fertilizing the ovules of the same flower.
Heteromorphy involves the production of flowers with different lengths of styles and stamens, which promotes cross-pollination.
Cleistogamy refers to the condition where flowers never open, ensuring strict self-pollination and completely preventing cross-pollination. Thus, it is an inbreeding device, not an outbreeding device.
Answer: Cleistogamy
Hence, the correct answer is option: 'D'.