CLEISTOGAMIC Meaning and
Definition
-
Cleistogamic, also known as cleistogamous, is an adjective used to describe a reproductive process and a specific type of flowers found in plants. Derived from the Greek words kleistos, meaning "closed," and gamos, meaning "marriage," cleistogamic refers to the phenomenon where flowers on a plant are self-pollinated without opening and thereby do not require external pollinators, such as insects or wind, for the pollination process.
Cleistogamy is a mechanism observed in certain plant species that allows for reproduction even in unfavorable conditions or locations where the chances of pollinators reaching the flowers are limited. The flowers of cleistogamous plants tend to be small and inconspicuous, normally located under the plant's foliage.
In cleistogamic flowers, the male and female reproductive organs are generally close together, facilitating self-pollination. The flowers remain closed throughout the entire reproductive process, ensuring that pollen is transferred from the anthers to the stigma within the same flower. Cleistogamy enhances reproductive success by preventing the loss of pollen due to external factors and eliminating the need for pollinator attraction. It offers genetic advantages in terms of ensuring higher seed production and potential offspring survival, particularly in environments where pollinators may be scarce or unpredictable.
Cleistogamy can be found in a variety of plant families, including violets, beans, and grasses. It is an intriguing adaptation that demonstrates the remarkable diversity and ingenuity of plants in ensuring their reproductive success, even under challenging circumstances.
Common Misspellings for CLEISTOGAMIC
- xleistogamic
- vleistogamic
- fleistogamic
- dleistogamic
- ckeistogamic
- cpeistogamic
- coeistogamic
- clwistogamic
- clsistogamic
- cldistogamic
- clristogamic
- cl4istogamic
- cl3istogamic
- cleustogamic
- clejstogamic
- clekstogamic
- cleostogamic
- cle9stogamic
- cle8stogamic
Etymology of CLEISTOGAMIC
The word "cleistogamic" is derived from two Greek roots: "cleistos" meaning "closed" and "gamos" meaning "marriage" or "sexual union". The term was coined in the mid-19th century and it refers to a botanical phenomenon where certain flowers are capable of self-fertilization without requiring the opening of the petals. In these flowers, the reproductive organs remain closed or partially enclosed, leading to pollination and fertilization within the flower itself.
Similar spelling words for CLEISTOGAMIC
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
