What is Apomixis? Types, Significance & NEET Important Points
What is Apomixis?
Normally, when we think about seed formation in flowering plants, we expect fertilization to occur first. But nature has an interesting exception—apomixis.
In apomixis, a plant is able to produce seeds without fertilization. In other words, the embryo develops without the usual fusion of male and female gametes. Because seed formation occurs without fertilization, apomixis is considered a special form of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction.
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Quick definition: Apomixis is the formation of seeds without fertilization.
Types of Apomixis
- Recurrent Apomixis – Embryo sac develops without meiosis (diploid).
- Non-recurrent Apomixis – Embryo develops from haploid cells.
- Adventive Embryony – Embryo develops directly from nucellus or integument cells.
Significance of Apomixis
- Produces genetically uniform plants (clones).
- Useful in hybrid seed production (maintains hybrid vigor).
- Helps in the propagation of desirable traits.
- Saves time and cost in agriculture.
NEET Important Points
- Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction.
- It occurs in some plants like Citrus, Mango, and Asteraceae family.
- Apomictic seeds produce plants identical to the parent.
- It is of great importance in hybrid seed industry.
This topic is frequently asked in NEET – understand the difference between apomixis and parthenocarpy carefully!