Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis (/ˌpɑːrθɪnoʊˈdʒɛnɪsɪs/, from the Greek παρθένος, parthenos, 'virgin' + γένεσις, genesis, 'creation') is a form of asexual reproduction in which growth and development of embryos occur without fertilization by sperm. In animals, parthenogenesis means development of an embryo from an unfertilized egg cell and is a component process of apomixis.

Etymology

The term "parthenogenesis" derives from the Greek words parthenos meaning "virgin" and genesis meaning "birth". The term was coined by Charles Bonnet to describe the reproductive behavior of aphids.

Types of Parthenogenesis

There are several types of parthenogenesis, including haploid parthenogenesis, automictic parthenogenesis, and apomictic parthenogenesis.

Haploid parthenogenesis is a type of parthenogenesis in which the offspring are haploid, meaning they have only one set of chromosomes. This is common in insects such as bees and ants.

Automictic parthenogenesis involves the duplication of the egg cell's chromosomes followed by meiosis, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the mother.

Apomictic parthenogenesis involves the development of an embryo without fertilization, and without meiosis. The offspring are genetically identical to the mother.

Related Terms

Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction by which offspring arise from a single organism, and inherit the genes of that parent only.

Sexual reproduction is a type of reproduction that involves the combination of genetic material from two individuals.

Embryo is an early stage of development of a multicellular organism.

Fertilization is the fusion of gametes to initiate the development of a new individual organism.

Sperm is the male reproductive cell, or gamete, in anisogamous forms of sexual reproduction.

Egg cell or ovum is the female reproductive cell, or gamete, in anisogamous forms of sexual reproduction.

External links

Medical encyclopedia article on Parthenogenesis
Wikipedia's article - Parthenogenesis

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Parthenogenesis