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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Apomixis and Parthenogenesis?

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Apomixis and parthenogenesis are both asexual modes of reproduction, but they differ in the process and the resulting offspring:

Apomixis:

  • The embryo develops from seeds without fertilization.
  • It produces genetically identical offspring, also known as mother clones.
  • Apomixis is commonly observed in higher plants, such as some species from the Rutaceae, Rosaceae, Gramineae, and Compositae families, as well as certain grains like wheat and maize.
  • There are different types of apomixis, including recurrent apomixis, non-recurrent, adventitious, and vegetative apomixis.

Parthenogenesis:

  • The embryo develops directly from an unfertilized egg cell.
  • It produces genetically identical female progeny.
  • Parthenogenesis is common in single-celled organisms and certain plants and animals.
  • Organisms without sex chromosomes can reproduce via parthenogenesis, but monogamous or isogamous organisms cannot.
  • There are several types of parthenogenesis, including facultative parthenogenesis, haploid parthenogenesis, artificial parthenogenesis, and cyclic parthenogenesis.

In summary, apomixis is the production of seeds without meiosis and fertilization, resulting in genetically identical offspring, while parthenogenesis is the development of an embryo directly from an unfertilized egg cell, producing genetically identical female offspring.

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  • What is the Difference Between Apomixis and Parthenogenesis?
  • Comparative Table: Apomixis vs Parthenogenesis

    • Comparative Table: Apomixis vs Parthenogenesis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between apomixis and parthenogenesis:

    Feature Apomixis Parthenogenesis
    Definition Apomixis is a type of asexual reproduction where the embryo develops from the seeds without the process of fertilization. Parthenogenesis is a type of apomixis where the egg cells help in the development of an embryo. It is a process in which the female gamete develops into the offspring without being fertilized by a male.
    Types Apomixis has types such as recurrent apomixis, non-recurrent, adventitious, and vegetative apomixis. Parthenogenesis has types such as natural and artificial parthenogenesis.
    Genetic Identity Apomixis produces genetically identical seedling progeny or mother clones. Parthenogenesis produces genetically identical female progeny.
    Reproduction In apomixis, plant embryos are produced without meiosis and fertilization, resulting in the production of seeds. In parthenogenesis, individuals are developed directly from unfertilized egg cells.
    Occurrence Apomixis is shown by some plants. Parthenogenesis is shown by plants and animals.

    Both apomixis and parthenogenesis are asexual modes of reproduction, but they differ in the way the embryo is formed and the genetic identity of the offspring.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.