Question

Write short notes on the following: (i) Polyembryony
(ii) Formation of Fruit

Hint:

Polyembryony ensures better survival chances, as more than one embryo may develop into viable offspring.

Answer 1

Polyembryony is the phenomenon of development of more than one embryo from a single fertilized egg (zygote). It may also occur due to the development of embryos from structures other than the zygote (e.g., nucellus or integuments). Examples: Seen in plants like Citrus and Opuntia, and in some animals like armadillos. (ii) Formation of Fruit The fruit is a mature or ripened ovary, developed after fertilization. After fertilization, the ovary wall develops into the pericarp, and ovules develop into seeds. Types of fruit formation: \[\begin{array}{rl} \bullet & \text{True Fruit: Formed only from the ovary (e.g., Mango, Tomato).} \\ \bullet & \text{False Fruit: Formed from ovary and other floral parts such as thalamus (e.g., Apple).} \\ \bullet & \text{Parthenocarpic Fruit: Developed without fertilization, hence seedless (e.g., Banana).} \\ \end{array}\]