Difference between Apomixis and Parthenogenesis: Concepts, Similarities, Differences

Definition Of Parthenogenesis And Apomixis

Apomixis is the process of asexual reproduction in plants whereby seeds are formed without fertilisation, sidestepping normal sexuality. This gives rise to genetically identical progeny to that of the parent plant. In the case of parthenogenesis—a form of asexual reproduction in animals—an egg develops into an organism without fertilisation by sperm. It, however, occurs naturally in some invertebrates and vertebrates, such as in aphids, rotifers, and some species of reptiles like the Komodo dragon.

The second importance is distinguishing apomixis from parthenogenesis in botanical and zoological studies. Apomixis has significant implications for plant breeding and agriculture by allowing the propagation of desirable traits without genetic variation. In contrast, parthenogenesis gives insights into evolutionary biology, diversity in genetics, and adaptation strategies of different animal species.

Apomixis

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction where seeds are formed without fertilization, circumventing the normal sexual reproduction process.

Examples in Plants

Examples of plants showing apomixis include dandelions, certain grass species, and some citrus plants.

Types Of Apomixis

The different types are:

Apospory

This is the process in which the embryo sac develops from somatic cells of the ovule, circumventing meiosis.

Diplospory

It is a process in which the embryo sac arises from a cell that undergoes modified meiosis; thus, resulting in diploid cells that develop into seed.

Adventive Embryony

Adventive embryony is the term applied to the process by which the embryos develop from the somatic or nucellar cells surrounding the embryo sac and not from gametic cells.

Significance Of Apomixis In Agriculture

Advantages

Apomixis is especially useful in agriculture since it can repeatedly reproduce plants, which are hybrid with very minimal variations genetically. This provides a suitable basis for crop uniformity and stability with desirable traits.

Disadvantages

Low genetic diversity increases the vulnerability of plants to certain diseases and pests. More importantly, it is also one of the factors that limit the breeding of new varieties with desirable traits.

Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is explained below-

A form of reproduction where an individual develops from an egg without fertilisation.

Examples in Animals and Plants

It is common in some insects like bees and aphids. Some plants, like dandelions, are also examples

Types Of Parthenogenesis

The types of parthenogenesis are:

Natural Parthenogenesis

It is a natural process in the reproductive cycle of some species, particularly reptiles and amphibians.

Artificial Parthenogenesis

It is artificially induced in the laboratory through means of chemicals or other physical methods of induction for the study of developmental processes.

Significance Of Parthenogenesis In Nature

Advantages

It makes reproduction possible without a mate, allowing for rapid population growth and colonisation of new environments.

Disadvantages

It reduces genetic diversity and, accordingly, may make populations more vulnerable to diseases and changes in the environment.

Key Differences Between Apomixis And Parthenogenesis

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