Question

Seed formation without fertilization in following plants involves the process of

• A. Budding
• B. Somatic hybridization
• C. Apomixis
• D. Sporulation

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

To answer the question about seed formation without fertilization, we need to understand the concept of apomixis. Apomixis is a process by which seeds are formed without the occurrence of fertilization. Let's break down the options given to identify the correct one:

1. Budding: This is a form of asexual reproduction in which a new organism develops from an outgrowth or bud due to cell division at one particular site. It is common in yeast and some animals, but not related to seed formation in plants.
2. Somatic hybridization: This process involves the fusion of somatic cells (non-reproductive cells) from different plant species or varieties to create a hybrid. It is related to plant breeding but does not involve seed formation without fertilization.
3. Apomixis: It refers to a form of asexual reproduction that allows plants to produce seeds without fertilization. In apomixis, seeds are formed from the ovule or part of the ovary without fertilization, resulting in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant. Thus, this is the correct answer to the question.
4. Sporulation: This is a method primarily used by fungi and some microorganisms where spores are formed. While spores can lead to new organisms, this method does not explain seed formation in plants without fertilization.

Therefore, the correct answer is Apomixis. Apomixis plays a vital role in agriculture as it enables the production of seeds that are clones of the parent plant, maintaining desirable traits without the genetic variability introduced by sexual reproduction. Understanding such mechanisms is important for topics in plant biology and related examinations.