Autogamy

(1) Autogamy [ Botany ]
Synonyms: Self-fertilisation
Antonyms: Allogamy
Adjective: Autogamous or Autogamic

Dictionary of botanic terminology
index of names

The autogamy or self-fertilization is the fertilisation of a flower by its own pollen.

Autogamy is sometimes referred to as self pollination, but this is not a true synonymous with autogamy. Precision requires that the term self pollination be restricted to those plants that accomplish pollination without an external pollinator. Most autogamous plant need the intervention of pollinator to transfer the pollen from the anther to the stigma of the flower because are unable to self-pollinate.

(2) Autogamy [ Biology ]

The union of nuclei within and arising from a single cell, as in certain protozoans (eg: Paramecium) and fungi


The autogamy is the "fertilization" between two daughter gametes of the same gametocyte. Typically this occurs without complete separation. That is, the nucleus of the diploid or tetraploid gametocyte divides without DNA synthesis and without complete cytokinesis (complete separation of daughter cells). The resulting cell then behaves like a zygote resulting from fertilization.

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Holdfast roots [ Botany ]
Dictionary of botanic terminology - index of names

Some species of climbing plants develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place.

Climbing plants, like the poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans), Boston ivy (Parthenocissus tricuspidata), and trumpet creeper (Campsis radicans), develop holdfast roots which help to support the vines on trees, walls, and rocks. By forcing their way into minute pores and crevices, they hold the plant firmly in place. Usually the Holdfast roots die at the end of the first season, but in some species they are perennial. In the tropics some of the large climbing plants have hold-fast roots by which they attach themselves, and long, cord-like roots that extend downward through the air and may lengthen and branch for several years until they strike the soil and become absorbent roots.

Major references and further lectures:
1) E. N. Transeau “General Botany” Discovery Publishing House, 1994