Self-incompatibility is a genetic mechanism in flowering plants that prevents self-fertilization and promotes genetic diversity by allowing only cross-pollination. It involves complex interactions between pollen and pistil tissues, ensuring that plants can reject pollen with matching genetic markers from the same individual or closely related individuals.

Self-incompatibility

genetic mechanism

flowering plants

Self-fertilization is a reproductive strategy where an organism fertilizes itself, leading to offspring genetically similar to the parent. This process is common in hermaphroditic plants and some animal species, promoting genetic consistency but reducing genetic diversity.

self-fertilization

Genetic diversity refers to the total number of genetic characteristics in the genetic makeup of a species, which is essential for populations to adapt to changing environments and ensures long-term survival. High genetic diversity increases a species' ability to withstand diseases and environmental changes, while low diversity can lead to inbreeding and increased vulnerability to extinction.

genetic diversity

Cross-pollination is the transfer of pollen from the flower of one plant to the flower of a genetically different plant, promoting genetic diversity and increasing plant resilience. This process can occur naturally via wind, water, or animal pollinators, or it can be facilitated by human intervention to enhance crop yield and quality.

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