What is Apomixis?
Apomixis Definition – Apomixis is the asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are produced without fertilization, leading to genetic clones of the parent plant.
The seeds formed by Apomixis are known as apomictic seeds. Since fertilization is absent, the progeny formed is a maternal clone. It is useful for producing a large number of genetically similar plants without losing its characteristics.
In higher plants like angiosperms, the term apomixis is known as agamospermy and is a common occurrence. Many plant families including the Gramineae, Rosaceae, and Compositae are known to be apomictic. Apomixis is seen in major grains like wheat and maize.
Apomixis in Plants
Apomixis is the formation of an embryo without the fusion (mixing) of gametes. Apomixis example is Taraxacum officinale. The term was first coined by Albert Winkler in 1908 when he noticed a single female Alchornea ilicifolia plant producing seeds even when there were no male equivalents in the United Kingdom. In this article, we will learn about the apomixis definition, types, characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages of apomixis in plants in detail.
Table of Content
- What is Apomixis?
- Apomixis Example
- Types of Apomixis
- General Characteristics of Apomixis
- Applications of Apomixis
- What are the Advantages of Apomixis?
- What are the Disadvantages of Apomixis?