🩺 NEET🧬 Biology

Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants

7 solved NEET Biology previous year questions on Sexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants, each with the correct answer and a full explanation.

Q1
Unisexuality of flowers prevents;
ageitonogamy, but not xenogamy.
bautogamy and geitonogamy.
cautogamy, but not geitonogamy.
dboth geitonogamy and xenogamy.
✓ Correct answer: c) autogamy, but not geitonogamy.
ExplanationUnisexual flowers have either stamens (male) or carpels (female), so a single flower cannot self-pollinate, preventing autogamy.However, a plant with multiple unisexual flowers (especially monoecious plants) can still have pollen from male flowers reach female flowers on the same plant, allowing geitonogamy.Xenogamy (cross-pollination between different plants) is still possible.Thus, unisexuality specifically prevents self-pollination within the same flower but does not stop pollination between different flowers of the same plant.
Q2
Flowers which have single ovule in the ovary and are packed into inflorescence are usually pollinated by
abee
bwind
cbat
dwater
✓ Correct answer: b) wind
ExplanationFlowers with a single ovule per ovary and arranged in inflorescences (like grasses) are typically small, inconspicuous, and lack nectar or scent.These features are adaptations for wind pollination (anemophily).The large number of flowers in an inflorescence increases the chance of pollen reaching another flower.Other pollinators: Bee – attracted to colorful, nectar- rich flowers.Bat – active at night; flowers are large, fragrant, and pale-colored.Water – occurs in hydrophilous plants.
Q3
Persistent nucellus in the seed is known as;
ategmen
bchalaza
cperisperm
dhilum
✓ Correct answer: c) perisperm
ExplanationIn some seeds such as black pepper and beet, remnants of nucellus are also persistent.This residual, persistent nucellus is the perisperm.
Q4
What is the fate of the male gametes discharged in the synergid? [NEET 2019]
aOne fuses with egg, others degenerates in the synergid.
bAll fuse with the egg.
cOne fuses with the egg, others fuses with synergid nucleus.
dOne fuses with the egg and other fuses with central cell nuclei.
✓ Correct answer: d) One fuses with the egg and other fuses with central cell nuclei.
ExplanationFate of Male Gametes in Double Fertilization: One male gamete fuses with the egg cell to form the zygote (syngamy).The second male gamete fuses with the two polar nuclei in the central cell to form the primary endosperm nucleus (PEN) (triple fusion).This process is unique to angiosperms and leads to the formation of both embryo and endosperm.Thus, the correct answer is D (One fuses with the egg and other fuses with central cell nuclei).
Q5
In some members of which of the following pairs of families, pollen grains retain their viability for months after release? [NEET 2021]
aPoaceae; Leguminosae
bPoaceae; Solanaceae
cRosaceae ; Leguminosae
dPoaceae ; Rosaceae
✓ Correct answer: c) Rosaceae ; Leguminosae
ExplanationThe period for which pollen grains remain viable is highly variable and to some extent depends on the prevailing temperature and humidity.In wheat (a member of the Poaceae family), the pollen grains remain viable only for a short time — around 30 minutes after their release.However, in some plants belonging to the Rosaceae, Leguminosae, and Solanaceae families, the pollen grains can stay viable for several months.
Q6
Identify the correct description about the given figure: [NEET 2024]
aCompact inflorescence showing complete autogamy.
bWind pollinated plant inflorescence showing flowers with well exposed stamens.
cWater pollinated flowers showing stamens with mucilaginous covering.
dCleistogamous flowers showing autogamy.
✓ Correct answer: b) Wind pollinated plant inflorescence showing flowers with well exposed stamens.
ExplanationThe image depicts a compact inflorescence with well-exposed stamens, which is a characteristic feature of wind-pollinated plants.Wind-pollinated flowers typically exhibit: Exposed stamens for efficient pollen dispersal.Feathery or large stigmas to trap airborne pollen.Light, non-sticky pollen grains for easy transport by wind.Thus, option B correctly describes the given figure.
Q7
Which of the following is incorrect for wind pollinated plants? [Re-NEET 2020]
aPollen grains are light and non-sticky
bWell exposed stamens and stigma
cMany ovules in each ovary
dFlowers are small and not brightly coloured
✓ Correct answer: c) Many ovules in each ovary
ExplanationWind-pollinated plants typically have only one or few ovules per ovary, as the chances of pollination are random and uncertain.Producing numerous ovules would be inefficient.Other features of wind-pollinated plants (correct statements): A: Pollen grains are light and non-sticky to be easily carried by the wind.B: Stamens and stigma are well exposed to ensure effective pollen dispersal and capture.D: Flowers are small and not brightly coloured, as they do not need to attract pollinators.Thus, Option C is incorrect for wind- pollinated plants.

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