Dictionary > Pseudogamy

Pseudogamy

Definition
noun
(1) A form of parthenogenesis wherein the sperm stimulates the egg cell to develop into an embryo without fertilizing it; gynogenesis
(2) A type of reproduction where the embryo develops from the fusion of vegetative cells rather than of gametes; centrogamy
Supplement
Pseudogamy is a form of asexual reproduction since there is no union of gametes involved. It may be in the form of parthenogenesis wherein the sperm stimulates the egg cell to form an embryo without the need to fertilize it. In this way there are no genes from the male that are inherited. This is also referred to as gynogenesis.1 In this form of reproduction, mating is still required so that the sperm would stimulate the egg cell although no genetic material will be contributed during the development of an offspring. This is seen in certain salamanders of the genus Ambystoma.
In a restrictive sense, pseudogamy may also pertain to a reproductive process where in plants the embryo develops from the fusion of vegetative cells rather than of gametes. This is exemplified by the so-called pseudogamous apomixis as seen in Rosaceae and Poaceae, e.g. the Himalayan blackberry Rubus armeniacus and gamagrass Tripsacum dactyloides. In this mode of reproduction, pollination is required but there is no male inheritance.
Synonym(s):

  • pseudomixis
  • gynogenesis

See also:

  • parthenogenesis
  • asexual reproduction
  • Reference(s):

    1 Engelstädter, J. (2008). Constraints on the evolution of asexual reproduction. BioEssays. Review Article. 30(11–12): 1138–1150.


    You will also like...

    squirrel
    Animal Water Regulation

    Animals adapt to their environment in aspects of anatomy, physiology, and behavior. This tutorial will help you understa..

    Plant Water Regulation
    Plant Water Regulation

    Plants need to regulate water in order to stay upright and structurally stable. Find out the different evolutionary adap..

    Water Cycle
    The Water Cycle

    The water cycle (also referred to as the hydrological cycle) is a system of continuous transfer of water from the air, s..

    Adaptation Tutorial
    Adaptation Tutorial

    Adaptation, in biology and ecology, refers to the process or trait through which organisms or the populations in a habit..

    Plant biology
    Plant Biology

    Plantlife can be studied at a variety of levels, from the molecular, genetic and biochemical level through organelles, c..

    Early Earth
    The Origins of Life

    This tutorial digs into the past to investigate the origins of life. The section is split into geological periods in the..

    Related Articles...

    No related articles found

    See all Related Topics