Question

Embryo derived from pollen is known as

• A. somatic embryo
• B. androgenetic embryo
• C. zygotic embryo
• D. simply embryo

Hint:

Andro = Male (Pollen).
Gyno = Female (Ovule).
Soma = Body (Leaf/Stem).
Androgenetic embryos are the primary source of "Haploids" in biotechnology.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question relates to plant tissue culture and the development of embryos from non-zygotic sources. Specifically, it asks for the name of an embryo that originates from the male gametophyte (pollen/microspore).

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

• Androgenesis: This is the process by which haploid plants are produced from male gametes. When a pollen grain is induced to bypass its normal developmental pathway (becoming a sperm carrier) and instead begins to divide vegetatively, it forms an embryo.

• Terminology: Because the embryo is derived from the "andro" (male) lineage, it is termed an androgenetic embryo.

• Comparison with other types:
- Zygotic embryo (C): The product of the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilization). It is diploid ($2n$).
- Somatic embryo (A): Derived from vegetative (somatic) cells like leaf, stem, or root tissues. It is also usually diploid ($2n$).
- Gynogenetic embryo: Derived from the female gametophyte (unfertilized egg or ovule).

• Applications: Androgenetic embryos are highly valued in plant breeding because they result in haploid plants. These plants can be treated with colchicine to produce doubled haploids, which are 100% homozygous. This saves years of backcrossing in crop improvement programs.

• In vitro methods: Anther culture and isolated microspore culture are the primary techniques used to generate these embryos.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Embryos generated from pollen grains through the pathway of androgenesis are called androgenetic embryos.