Question

The formation of gametophyte from the sporophyte (without meiosis) is called as
A. Apospory
B. Apogamy
C. Agametospermy
D. None of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Apomixis is a phenomenon in plants which results in the formation of seeds without fertilization.

Complete answer: Apomixis is commonly found in higher plants, like, maize, wheat, etc.There are three types of apomixis- apospory, diplospory, and adventitious embryonic.
Apospory- It is a formation of 2n gametophytes, without meiosis from vegetative cells of sporophytes. In it, an apomictic embryo sac is formed from the nucellar cells.
It produces diploid gametophyte is seen in Anthoceros.
Diplospory- The embryo sac is developed from the megaspore mother cells through mitotic division or by interrupting meiosis. The megaspore mother cells divide three times mitotically and form eight nuclei. The embryo sac has the same number of chromosomes and genetic material.
Adventitious embryony - The embryos are reproduced from the mitotic division of the nucleus or the integument of the ovule. It appears as a bud-like structure.
Apomixis helps with the production of hybrid seeds and it is also one of the most cost-effective methods in order to produce seeds. The main advantage of apomixis is it prevents the loss of specific characters in the hybrid seeds.

So, the correct answer is “Option A”.

Note: Apogamy is the phenomenon of development of sporophytes from the gametophyte without the formation of the gametes.
Agamospermy is a type of asexual reproduction in which seeds developed from unfertilized ovules.
Few other types of apomixis are- recurrent and nonrecurrent apomixis, vegetative apomixis.