difference between parthenocarpy and parthenogenesis: Types & Examples

Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis are processes involving reproduction without the fusion of gametes, but are seen in different organisms and give different results. Parthenocarpy is the development of fruit without fertilisation, resulting in fruit that does not contain seeds. It is seen in bananas, seedless grapes, etc. It is induced by hormones and genetic modulations.

This Story also Contains

1. What is Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis?
2. Key Differences Between Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis
3. Parthenocarpy
4. Parthenogenesis
5. MCQs on the Difference between parthenocarpy and parthenogenesis
6. Recommended video on "Difference between parthenocarpy and parthenogenesis"

Parthenogenesis is seen in animals, where an unfertilised egg develops into a complete organism. This is seen in certain insects such as bees and aphids, reptiles, and amphibians. Both these processes show nature’s diverse strategies implemented for reproduction and survival. Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis are important topics in the field of biology.

What is Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis?

Parthenocarpy refers to the naturally or artificially induced development of fruits that are seedless because they have not undergone fertilisation. The processes take place in various plant species, such as bananas and cucumbers, whereby the fruit develops without fertilisation of the ovules. Parthenogenesis is the asexual reproduction whereby an egg develops into an individual without being fertilised by a sperm.

This phenomenon occurs in several plants, invertebrates—aphids and bees—and a few vertebrates, like some reptiles and fish. An in-depth understanding of the concepts of parthenocarpy and parthenogenesis is important in biology, for they explain alternative reproductive strategies that yield increased genetic diversity and adaptations. These processes have far-reaching applications in agriculture, horticulture, and research into genetic inheritance, providing possibilities for better crop yields and the explanation of mechanisms of reproduction in various species.

Also Read:

• Asexual Reproduction in Animals

• Sexual Reproduction In Plants

• Sexual Reproduction in Animals

Key Differences Between Parthenocarpy and Parthenogenesis

While parthenocarpy is mainly used for agricultural advantages, parthenogenesis serves as a natural reproductive strategy in certain organisms.

Parthenocarpy

Parthenocarpy is the development of fruits without fertilisation of their ovules. It is the development of fruit without fertilisation, resulting in seedless fruits like bananas and seedless grapes.

Types of Parthenocarpy

There are two major divisions for parthenocarpy: natural parthenocarpy, where the phenomenon takes place naturally, and induced parthenocarpy, which is artificially provoked by humans or environmental elements.

Natural Parthenocarpy

This occurs without any human interference and is prevalent in some species of plants, such as bananas.

Induced Parthenocarpy

This could be achieved with the help of hormones in plants or by inducing genetic changes in a plant to allow for the development of seedless fruits.

Examples of Parthenocarpy in Plants

Bananas are classic examples of parthenocarpy, where fruits develop without fertilisation, resulting in the seedless varieties propagated through vegetative methods.

Seedless watermelons are cultivated using hybrid techniques that induce parthenocarpy, producing fruits with minimal or no viable seeds.

Pineapples develop without pollination in many commercial varieties, offering seedless fruits that are preferred in global markets for their texture and sweetness.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Parthenocarpy

Agricultural Benefits

Conditions or traits in plants that lead to a higher market value of the fruit are preserved in it. Cross-pollination is not favoured to maintain the traits. Fruiting in the plants is seen throughout the year.

Limitations

The potential demerits are the constant use of plant hormones in induced parthenocarpy and the reduction in genetic diversity.

Parthenogenesis

A method of reproduction whereby an egg develops into an organism without fertilisation. Hence, this form of reproduction results in offspring that are genetically identical to the mother. It is the development of a new organism from an unfertilized egg, commonly seen in certain insects, reptiles, and amphibians.

Types of Parthenogenesis

There are two primary forms of parthenogenesis: automictic and apomictic parthenogenesis.

Automictic Parthenogenesis

A form of parthenogenesis whereby meiosis occurs; haploid gametes fuse to give diploid offspring; thus, some variation is added by this process.

Apomictic Parthenogenesis

A process in which mitosis occurs without meiosis. The resultant offspring becomes an exact genetic clone of their mother.

Examples of Parthenogenesis in Animals

Aphids, Rotifers: Aphids are known to have parthenogenesis, particularly in conducive environments, thus yielding successive generations composed only of females with identical features and structures. Rotifers also reproduce using parthenogenesis; this is seen mostly during favourable conditions.

Komodo Dragons, Some Fish, Reptiles: Parthenogenesis in Komodo dragons occurs in the absence of males. Some fish and reptiles are also known to have this method of reproduction.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Parthenogenesis

Evolutionary Benefits

Offers a vast population increase and is therefore able to colonise new areas. It ensures that genes that are of good genetics are passed successfully.

Limitations

Lower genetic diversity makes the population more susceptible to diseases and environmental changes. Moreover, it limits the potential for adaptability and evolution.

MCQs on the Difference between parthenocarpy and parthenogenesis

Q1. In Honeybees, the female gamete undergoes development to form new organisms without fertilisation is known as

Option 1: Sexual reproduction

Option 2: Parthenogenesis

Option 3: Polyembryony

Option 4: Parthenocarpy

Correct answer: (2) Parthenogenesis

Explanation:

Parthenogenesis is a form of asexual reproduction in which an egg develops into an embryo without fertilization. This is adapted as a natural form of reproduction in many of the species including insects like honeybees and ants, reptiles like Komodo dragons, and even some fishes. In a few cases, the offspring are genetically identical clones of their parents, while others may show slight genetic variations.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2) Parthenogenesis.

Q2. In some plants, the female gamete develops into embryo without fertilization. This phenomenon is known as:

Option 1: Autogamy

Option 2: Parthenocarpy

Option 3: Syngamy

Option 4: Parthenogenesis

Correct answer: (4) Parthenogenesis

Explanation:

In Parthenogenesis, the female gamete undergoes development to form new organisms without fertilisation. Eg., rotifers, honeybees and even some lizards and birds (turkey). It occurs in some plants and many animals. Parthenocarpy is the formation of fruits without fertilisation. Autogamy refers to self-pollination. Syngamy refers to the physical union of male and female gametes.

Hence, the correct answer is option (4) Parthenogenesis.

Q3. Natural parthenogenesis occurs in

Option 1: Frog to form female

Option 2: Honeybee to produce drones

Option 3: Cockroach

Option 4: Vegeterian eggs

Correct answer: (2) Honeybee to produce drones

Explanation:

Natural Parthenogenesis:

• In certain animals, parthenogenesis occurs regularly, constantly and naturally in their life cycles and is known as the natural parthenogenesis.
• Certain insects have no sexual phase and no males.
• They depend exclusively on the parthenogenesis for self-reproduction.
• This type of parthenogenesis is known as the complete parthenogenesis or obligatory parthenogenesis.
• The life cycle of certain insects includes two generations, the sexual generation, and parthenogenetic generation, both of which alternate to each other.
• In such cases, the diploid eggs produce females and the unfertilized eggs produce males.
• This type of parthenogenesis is known as partial or incomplete or cyclic parthenogenesis.

Hence, the correct answer is option (2) Honeybee to produce drones

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