Question

Which of the following statement is/are correct for cleistogamous flowers?
a) They have exposed anthers and stigma
b) They produce assured seed set
c) They need pollinators for pollination
d) Variations in traits are not seen in next generation

• A. Only Statement (b) is correct
• B. Statements (a) and (c) are correct
• C. Statements (b) and (d) are correct
• D. Statements (b) and (c) are correct

Hint:

"Cleisto" means closed. Closed flowers = 100% self-pollination = no pollinators needed = guaranteed seeds = zero genetic variation.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept: Cleistogamous flowers are a special type of flower that never open, enforcing a strict mechanism of self-pollination.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach: Analyze the biological implications of a flower that remains permanently closed on pollination, seed setting, and genetic variation.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation: Because cleistogamous flowers never open, their anthers and stigmas are permanently enclosed and not exposed (making statement 'a' incorrect).
Since they are closed, pollen from the anther falls directly onto the stigma of the same flower, leading to an assured seed set even in the complete absence of pollinators (making statement 'b' correct and statement 'c' incorrect).
Because they undergo obligate autogamy (self-pollination), there is no genetic recombination from different individuals.
As a result, no new genetic variations are introduced, meaning variations in traits are generally not seen in the next generation (making statement 'd' correct).
Therefore, only statements (b) and (d) are factually true.
Step 4: Final Answer: The correct option is (3).