Apomixis

Definition

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are formed without fertilization by male gametes. It results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Apomixis bypasses the typical sexual reproduction cycle, eliminating meiosis and fertilization.
2. It often occurs naturally in certain plant species such as dandelions and some grasses.
3. There are two main types of apomixis: gametophytic and sporophytic.
4. Gametophytic apomixis involves the formation of an embryo sac from an unreduced egg cell, while sporophytic apomixis involves the formation of an embryo directly from somatic cells.
5. Apomictic plants can be advantageous for agriculture as they produce uniform and stable crop varieties.

Review Questions

• What is the primary difference between apomixis and sexual reproduction in plants?
• Name two types of apomixis and describe how they differ.
• Why might apomictic plants be beneficial for agricultural purposes?

Related terms

Asexual Reproduction: Reproduction involving a single parent that results in offspring genetically identical to the parent.

Meiosis: A type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, resulting in four daughter cells each genetically distinct from the parent cell.

Embryo Sac: The female gametophyte within the ovule of flowering plants where fertilization occurs during sexual reproduction.