Apomixis

Estimated time: 4 minutes

CBSE: Class 12

Definition: Apomixis

Apomixis is the production of seeds without fertilisation and is a form of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction.

Maharashtra State Board: Class 12

Apomixis is the formation of seeds without fertilisation, where embryos develop without meiosis and syngamy.
In apomixis, the embryo develops inside the ovule, and the ovule forms a seed without gamete fusion.
Apogamy is the formation of an embryo from a gametophyte cell without fertilisation, while apospory is the formation of a diploid gametophyte from a sporophyte cell without meiosis.
Recurrent apomixis produces a diploid embryo sac (e.g., diplospory and apospory), while non-recurrent apomixis forms haploid embryos that are usually sterile.
Adventive embryony involves the formation of embryos from the nucellus or integuments along with a normal embryo, leading to polyembryony (e.g., mango, orange).
Apomixis helps in producing genetically identical plants quickly and efficiently.