CROSS FERTILIZATION Meaning and
Definition
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Cross fertilization, also known as cross-pollination, is a biological process that occurs when the pollen from the reproductive organ, such as anther or stamen, of one plant is transferred to the receptive organ, usually the stigma, of a different plant. This mechanism allows the propagation of genetic material between two distinct individuals, resulting in the fusion of their reproductive cells.
In the case of flowering plants, cross fertilization can be achieved through various agents, including wind, water, and animals such as insects, birds, and mammals. These external vectors carry pollen grains from the male flowers, facilitating their transfer to the female flowers of different plants.
The significance of cross fertilization lies in its ability to enhance genetic diversity within plant populations. By introducing new genetic combinations and recombination of alleles, cross fertilization helps in the adaptation and evolution of plant species. It also leads to the production of seeds that inherit traits from both parents, resulting in increased vigor, disease resistance, or specific adaptations.
Cross fertilization also has applications in agriculture and horticulture. Farmers and cultivators often employ controlled cross fertilization techniques to breed plants with desirable traits. By deliberately transferring pollen from selected parent plants, breeders can create new and improved varieties that exhibit specific characteristics, such as higher crop yields, improved taste, or resistance to pests or diseases.
Overall, cross fertilization plays a vital role in maintaining biodiversity, genetic variability, and promoting the survival and evolution of plant species.
Etymology of CROSS FERTILIZATION
The word "cross" comes from Old English "cros" and ultimately derives from the Latin word "crux", meaning "cross". The term "fertilization" originates from the Latin word "fertilis", meaning "fruitful" or "fertilizing".
The concept of "cross fertilization" emerged from agricultural practices, where the crossing of different plants was done to create new hybrids with desired traits. The term was later adopted and applied in various fields to describe the process of combining or blending different ideas, organisms, or elements to produce new and improved results.
