Difference between Apomixis and Parthenogenesis: Concepts, Similarities, Differences

Definition Of Parthenogenesis And Apomixis

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction wherein an egg matures into a new organism without being fertilised by a male gamete. Parthenogenesis occurs in certain animals such as bees, lizards, and certain insects. Offspring resulting from parthenogenesis typically have the same genetic makeup as the mother.

Apomixis is a unique method of plant reproduction where seeds are produced without the process of fertilisation. It implies that new plants develop without the union of the male and female gametes. It occurs in plants such as mango, grasses, and citrus, where it helps in the development of plants that are clones of the parent plant.

Also Read:

• Reproduction

• Major Difference Between Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

• Morphallaxis

Apomixis

Apomixis is a unique form of asexual reproduction in plants that involves the development of seeds without fertilisation. In apomixis, the embryo is produced from cells such as the nucellus or integuments and not from the union of male and female gametes.

Apomixis contributes to the generation of new plants that are identical to the parent plant. It is applied in agriculture because it helps farmers to produce crops with desired characteristics, such as good yields or disease resistance, without the loss of these traits in the subsequent generation.

Types Of Apomixis

The different types are discussed below in the table:

Significance Of Apomixis In Agriculture

Apomixis is highly important in agriculture since it helps plants to generate seeds without fertilisation, which makes sure that the desirable characters of high-yielding and disease-resistant types are transmitted from generation to generation. It implies that farmers can obtain a uniform crop without having to purchase new seeds with every season. Apomixis can make farming more efficient and dependable, particularly in crops that utilise hybrid seeds.

• It helps in retaining hybrid over a number of generations.

• Farmers are able to store seeds without losing quality in the subsequent crop.

• It helps in minimising the cost of purchasing fresh hybrid seeds annually.

• Plants produced through apomixis exhibit uniform characters.

• Apomixis helps in yielding disease-free plants.

• It helps in accelerating breeding programmes.

• Helps in minimising reliance on cross-pollination.

• Beneficial for creating crops adapted to challenging environments.

Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis is a common natural asexual reproduction where an egg develops into a complete organism without fertilisation by a male. It occurs in some animals, such as some insects, reptiles, and amphibians. Parthenogenesis helps these animals to reproduce rapidly when they have no mates, so that their population remains stable or even increases. The offspring are genetically close to the mother, which makes sure that successful characteristics remain stable throughout generations.

Types Of Parthenogenesis

The types of parthenogenesis are discussed below in the table:

Significance Of Parthenogenesis In Nature

Parthenogenesis is essential as it helps some animals to reproduce without fertilisation. This process is beneficial if it is hard to find a mate, such as in remote environments. It helps species such as some insects, lizards, and birds to reproduce and sustain their population even when conditions are poor. Parthenogenesis helps the continuation of species without the involvement of male gametes.

• It helps species to survive where mates are few.

• Permits rapid growth in population size.

• Young ones are genetically close to the mother, maintaining good qualities intact.

• Beneficial in colonising new or isolated environments.

• Saves energy for searching for mates.

• Observed in both natural and emergency (stressful) conditions in the wild.

• Helps in reproduction in unfavourable conditions.

• Helps in maintaining the stability of the ecosystem by stabilising populations.

Key Differences Between Apomixis And Parthenogenesis

Apomixis and parthenogenesis are both forms of asexual reproduction, but occur in other groups with important differences. Apomixis occurs in plants, where seeds develop without the process of fertilisation, while parthenogenesis occurs in animals, where an egg grows into a new individual without male and female gamete fusion.

Both contribute to the production of offspring without mating, but their processes and organisms are not alike. Some of the major differences are discussed below in the table:

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