Autogamy

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Autogamy (pronounced: au·to·ga·my, /ɔːˈtɒɡəmi/) is a term used in the field of Biology and Botany. It refers to the process of self-fertilization, where an organism's gametes (sex cells) from the same individual combine to form offspring.

Etymology

The term 'Autogamy' is derived from the Greek words 'auto' meaning 'self', and 'gamy' meaning 'marriage'.

Overview

In the context of Plant reproduction, autogamy is a form of self-pollination. It occurs when the pollen from the anther (male part) of a flower is transferred to the stigma (female part) of the same flower or another flower on the same plant. This process ensures the propagation of the plant species, especially in the absence of other potential mating partners or pollinators.

Autogamy is also observed in certain Protozoa and Fungi, where it is a form of asexual reproduction. In these organisms, two nuclei from the same individual merge to form a zygote, which then develops into a new organism.

Related Terms

  • Allogamy: The fertilization of an ovum from one individual with the spermatozoa of another.
  • Cleistogamy: A type of automatic self-pollination that occurs before the flower opens.
  • Geitonogamy: The transfer of pollen from the anther of one flower to the stigma of another flower on the same plant.
  • Xenogamy: The transfer of pollen from a flower of one plant to a flower of a different plant.

See Also

External links

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