Biology
Chemistry

Define and Discuss on Parthenogenesis

The process how an embryo is formed from a gamete without it being fertilized is called parthenogenesis.

e.g. In plant – Spirogyra, Mucor, Fern etc. In animal – Bee, Wasp etc.

Usually parthenogenesis is of two types-

i) Haploid parthenogenesis and ii) Diploid parthenogenesis

Haploid parthenogenesis: When an embryo is formed from a sperm or from an unfertilitized ovum (n), the parthenogenesis is called haploid parthenogenesis.

e.g. Kakmasi plant.

Diploid parthenogenesis: Due to defective meiosis, a diploid female gametophyte (2n) is formed. When this diploid without being fertilized by sperm, gives rise to a new plant and it is called diploid parthenogenesis.

e.g. Parthennium argentatum.