Question

Which of the following defines Apomixis?

• A. Formation of fruit without fertilization
• B. Formation of seed without fertilization
• C. Formation of fruit without seed
• D. Formation of seed after fertilization

Answer 1

Answer:

B. Formation of seed without fertilization

• Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants that mimics sexual reproduction.

• It involves the production of seeds without the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilization).

• Essentially, it allows a plant to produce offspring that are genetically identical clones of the parent plant.

• Embryo Development: In apomictic plants, the embryo is formed directly from the maternal tissues within the ovule (such as the nucellus or integuments) rather than from a fertilized egg cell.

• Genetic Stability: Because there is no meiosis or fertilization involved in the formation of the embryo, the offspring are clones of the mother plant. This preserves specific genotypes across generations.

• Taxonomic Distribution: It is frequently observed in the family Asteraceae (sunflower family) and Poaceae (grass family).