Question

Comment upon the following:
Apomixis

Hint:

Apomixis ensures seed formation without fertilization and is useful in producing genetically identical plants.

Answer 1

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants that mimics sexual reproduction but does not involve fertilization. Seeds are formed without the fusion of gametes, leading to offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. 

Types of Apomixis: \[\begin{array}{rl} 1. & \text{Adventive Embryony: Embryos develop directly from somatic tissues like nucellus or integuments.} \\ 2. & \text{Diplospory: Embryo sac develops without meiosis, and the egg cell divides to form embryo without fertilization.} \\ 3. & \text{Apospory: Embryo sac develops from somatic cells instead of megaspore.} \\ \end{array}\]

Significance: - Helps in producing uniform crops. - Maintains hybrid vigour without the need for repeated hybridization. - Used in plant breeding programs.