NEETBotanySexual Reproduction in Flowering Plants
How can pollen grains be stored for years?
Options
- AIn dry air
- BIn liquid nitrogen at -196°C
- CIn a cool, dark place
- DIn sealed containers at room temperature
Correct answer
B. In liquid nitrogen at -196°C
Step-by-step solution
When once they are shed, pollen grains have to land on the stigma before they lose viability if they have to bring about fertilisation. How long do you think the pollen grains retain viability? The period for which pollen grains remain viable is highly variable and to some extent depends on the prevailing temperature and humidity. In some cereals such as rice and wheat, pollen grains lose viability within 30 minutes of their release, and in some members of Rosaceae, Leguminoseae and Solanaceae, they maintain viabil