Question

What is the difference between apomixis, agamospermy and apospory?

Some websites say agamospermy is just a synonym of apomixis but the definition of both terms is different. Others give almost same definition of apospory and agamospermy while also saying that apospory is actually a part of agamospermy. I'm very confused between the three terms.

Answer 1

See below:

Explanation:

• The asexual reproduction is mode of reproduction in which
  new individual develop directly from single parent without involving fusion of gametes or sex cells. Examples: Amoeba ,Paramecium. Asexual reproduction is also called as AGAMOGENESIS or AGAMOGENY.

• APOMIXIS: The technical term for asexual reproduction in plants is apomixis derived from apo means "without" and mixis means " mingling " .Examples: Strawberries.

• APOSPORY: It is development of gametophyte directly from diploid sporophyte without any fusion or spore formation .Examples:Some mosses and ferns.

HOPE THIS WILL HELP U !!!!

Answer 2

The difference in apomixis, agamospermy and apospory are explained below:

Explanation:

Apomixis is the term used for asexual reproduction in plants. Asexual reproduction in higher plants involves either the formation of embryo without the act of fertilization or the development of plant from vegetative part of the plant, such as root, stem or leaf.

Apomixis is of two types depending upon the mode of asexual reproduction, i.e. Agamospermy and vegetative reproduction.

Agamospermy involves the development of embryo without the act of fertilization. In vegetative reproduction, no embryo is formed. The plant develops from any vegetative part of the plant such as root, stem or leaf.

Agamospermy is thus type of apomixis. It may be defined as the formation of diploid embryo without involving the fusion of haploid gametes or the act of fertilization. The embryo-sac develops from either diploid megaspore mother cell or from any diploid cell of the nucellus.

All cells of such an embryo-sac including egg will be diploid. Diploid egg develops into embryo that develops into new plant. Embryo formation thus does not involve fusion of male and female gametes.

Apospory is the formation of gametophyte from vegetative part of sporophyte without the formation of meiospores.

Gametophyte thus formed will be diploid instead of normally formed haploid gametophyte.

Apospory also involves formation of new gametophyte from vegetative part of the same plant, but not of gametophyte but vegetative part of sporophyte.

Thus apomixis, agamospermy and apospory are similar in one aspect that none of these involve the act of fertilization or fusion of gametes.