Difference between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy - Testbook.com

Last Updated on Jul 31, 2023
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To understand the world of plants, it's essential to delve into the fascinating mechanisms of their reproduction. Two such mechanisms are Geitonogamy and Xenogamy, both of which are unique types of cross-pollination. While Geitonogamy involves the transfer of pollen grains within the same plant, Xenogamy is all about the transfer of pollen grains between different plants.

A Detailed Look at Geitonogamy vs Xenogamy

To make it easier to understand the differences between Geitonogamy and Xenogamy, let's examine the contrasts in a comprehensive table.

Geitonogamy Xenogamy

Involves the transfer of pollen to another flower on the same plant

Involves the transfer of pollen to a flower on a different plant

Concerns flowers on the same plant

Concerns flowers on different plants

Technically cross-pollination, but genetically identical pollen grains

Cross-pollination with genetically different pollen grains

Cannot occur in dioecious plants

Dioecious plants can exhibit xenogamy

Genetically akin to autogamy

A form of allogamy

For instance, plants like wheat and barley

For example, plants such as pumpkins and cucumbers


Exploring Geitonogamy

Geitonogamy is a unique type of autogamy where the pollen grains transferred are genetically identical. This mechanism involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same plant. Although it is functionally a type of cross-pollination, it requires pollinating agents for the transfer of genetically similar pollen grains.

Understanding Xenogamy

Xenogamy, on the other hand, is a form of allogamy. It involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another plant. Like Geitonogamy, it is a type of cross-pollination and requires pollinating agents. However, the key difference lies in the genetic makeup of the pollen grains, which are genetically different in Xenogamy.

There are certain characteristics that favor cross-pollination, including:

  • Unisexual or dioecious plants
  • Self-incompatibility
  • Non-synchronous pollen release and stigma receptivity
  • Mechanical barrier between stigma and anthers

For a deeper understanding of these topics and more, do check out the following links:

More Articles for Key Differences

Frequently Asked Questions

Geitonogamy is a type of autogamy as pollen grains transferred are genetically similar. It involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower of the same plant. It is functionally a cross pollination as pollinating agents are required. It involves the transfer of genetically similar pollen grains to the stigma.

Xenogamy is a type of allogamy. It involves the transfer of pollen grains from the anther of one plant to the stigma of another plant. It is a type of cross pollination. Pollinating agents are required for this type of pollination. It involves the transfer of genetically different pollen grains to the stigma.

Some of the characteristics that favour cross pollination are unisexual or dioecious plants, self-incompatibility, non-synchronous pollen release and stigma receptivity, and mechanical barrier between stigma and anthers.

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