Question:

2. Self-incompatibility in some flowering plants is a _____ mechanism that prevents self-fertilization.

Fill in the blank with the appropriate option :

Show Hint

Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism that stops self pollen from fertilising the ovules.
Updated On: Oct 22, 2026
  • Morphological
  • Physiological
  • Anatomical
  • Genetic
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Recall self-incompatibility:
Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism. It stops pollen from the same flower, or the same plant, from fertilising the ovules.
The pistil recognises its own pollen and blocks its germination or the growth of the pollen tube.

Step 2: Why genetic:
The recognition depends on genes that control the pollen-pistil interaction.
So the pistil can tell self pollen from foreign pollen at the gene level.

Step 3: Check the options:
(A) Morphological: this is wrong. Morphological devices such as different heights of anther and stigma are different ways to avoid self-pollination.
(B) Physiological: this is not the term used in the textbook for this mechanism.
(C) Anatomical: this is wrong, as no structure of the flower is involved.
(D) Genetic: this is correct.

Final Answer:
Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism, option (D).
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