Pollen kitt is generally found ina)anemophilous flowersb)entomophilous...
In the pollen grains of an insect pollinated plant, the exine is covered by a yellowish, viscous, sticky and oily layer called pollen kitt. It is made up of lipids and carotenoids. Pollen kitt is secreted by tapetum.
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Pollen kitt is generally found ina)anemophilous flowersb)entomophilous...
**Pollen Kitt in Entomophilous Flowers**
**Definition of Pollen Kitt:**
Pollen kitt refers to the sticky or spiky structures found on the surface of flowers that aid in the attachment and transfer of pollen. These structures can vary in size, shape, and texture depending on the type of pollinator the flower is adapted to.
**Entomophilous Flowers:**
Entomophilous flowers are those that are primarily pollinated by insects, such as bees, butterflies, moths, and beetles. These flowers have evolved specific adaptations to attract and facilitate pollination by these insects.
**Explanation:**
Pollen kitt is generally found in entomophilous flowers. This means that entomophilous flowers have developed pollen kitt as an adaptation to attract and effectively transfer pollen to their insect pollinators. Here's why pollen kitt is found in entomophilous flowers:
1. **Attracting Pollinators:** Entomophilous flowers produce attractive features such as bright colors, pleasant fragrances, and nectar to lure insects towards them. The presence of pollen kitt on the flower's surface enhances its attractiveness by providing an additional visual cue for pollinators.
2. **Pollinator Attachment:** The sticky or spiky nature of pollen kitt helps in the attachment of pollen grains to the bodies of visiting insects. When insects come into contact with the pollen kitt, the pollen grains adhere to their bodies due to the sticky nature of the structure or get trapped within the spikes.
3. **Pollen Transfer:** As insects move from flower to flower, the pollen grains attached to their bodies are transferred to the stigma (female reproductive part) of the flowers they visit. This process is essential for successful fertilization and subsequent seed production in entomophilous flowers.
4. **Reducing Pollen Loss:** The presence of pollen kitt reduces the chances of pollen loss due to factors such as wind or rain. Insects, being larger and more reliable pollinators than wind or rain, ensure efficient pollen transfer from flower to flower.
5. **Protection:** Pollen kitt also serves as a protective layer for the pollen grains against desiccation, UV radiation, and other environmental stresses. This helps to maintain the viability of pollen grains during their transportation by insect pollinators.
In conclusion, pollen kitt is found in entomophilous flowers as an adaptation to attract, attach, and transfer pollen to insect pollinators. This mechanism increases the efficiency of pollination and ensures the reproductive success of entomophilous flowers.
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