What term describes the process of obtaining pollen and egg from two different plants?

• A. Self-fertilization
• B. Cross-fertilization
• C. Hybridization
• D. Asexual reproduction

Answer: (B)

The term that describes the process of obtaining pollen and egg from two different plants is cross-fertilization. This process involves the transfer of pollen from the male gametes of one plant to the female gametes of another plant, leading to fertilization and the formation of seeds. Cross-fertilization is important for increasing genetic diversity, as it allows for the mixing of genetic material from different parent plants.

In contrast, self-fertilization refers to the fertilization process where a plant’s own pollen fertilizes its own eggs, resulting in offspring genetically similar to the parent. Hybridization, while closely related to cross-fertilization, specifically refers to the mating of individuals from different species or genetically distinct populations, often resulting in hybrids that exhibit characteristics of both parents. Asexual reproduction is a different mechanism entirely, as it involves a single organism producing offspring without the involvement of gametes, leading to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent.