What is apomixis and what is its importance?
Explanation Apomixis is the process whereby a plant’s reproduction becomes independent of fertilization. In this process, seed formation is absent. Since it does not involve the process of fertilization, it is a type of asexual reproduction which copies sexual reproduction. Only the female gametophyte, i.e. the ovule, is involved. The ovule directly develops into an embryo, without undergoing meiosis and syngamy. The ultimate progeny is a clone of the mother and has maternal genotype. Apomixis is of utmost importance because: It helps maintain the purity of the genes of the species. It helps in the preservation of the genes that are beneficial for the plant. Hybrid seeds of desired characters are produced. The production of seeds is of lower cost and time-effective. Final answer Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction whereby plants produce seeds without the process of fertilization and meiosis. Such seeds only contain the maternal genotype. Apomictic parthenogenesis is a type of apomixis in which the egg cell is produced by mitosis, and not meiosis. Automictic parthenogenesis produces half clones of the mother because it produces haploid gametes, whereas apomictic parthenogenesis produces full clones of the mother. Apomixis is seen in some species of Mangifera indica (mango) and Allium (onion, garlic).
