Question

Write a short note on polyembryony.

Hint:

Polyembryony results in multiple embryos in a single seed; common in citrus fruits.

Answer 1

Polyembryony is the phenomenon of the development of multiple embryos within a single seed. It can occur naturally in certain plant species such as citrus and mango, as well as in some animals like armadillos.

Types of Polyembryony:

• Simple Polyembryony: Occurs due to the cleavage of the zygote.
• Multiple Polyembryony: Due to the presence of multiple embryo sacs in an ovule.
• Adventive Polyembryony: When embryos arise from somatic cells outside the embryo sac.