Editing Apomixis (section)

{{short description|Replacement of the normal sexual reproduction by asexual reproduction, without fertilization}}
{{about|plants|similar processes in animals and Oomycetes|Parthenogenesis}}
{{distinguish|automixis|autogamy}}
[[File:Poa bulbosa, vegetative apomixis.jpg|thumb|right|Vegetative apomixis in ''[[Poa bulbosa]]''; [[bulbil]]s form instead of flowers]]
In [[botany]], '''apomixis''' is [[asexual reproduction|asexual]] development of [[seed]] or embryo without [[Fertilisation|fertilization]]. However, other definitions include replacement of the seed by a [[plantlet]] or replacement of the flower by [[bulbils]].

Apomictically produced offspring are genetically identical to the parent plant, except in nonrecurrent apomixis.  Its etymology is Greek for "away from" + "mixing". 

Normal asexual reproduction of plants, such as propagation from [[Cutting (plant)|cuttings]] or leaves, has never been considered to be apomixis. In contrast to [[parthenocarpy]], which involves [[seedless fruit]] formation without fertilization, apomictic fruits have viable seeds containing a proper embryo, with asexual origin. 

In flowering plants, the term "apomixis" is used in a restricted sense to mean '''agamospermy''', i.e. [[cloning|clonal]] reproduction through seeds. Although agamospermy could theoretically occur in [[gymnosperm]]s, it appears to be absent in that group.<ref name="Bicknell" />

'''Apogamy''' is a related term that has had various meanings over time. In plants with independent [[gametophyte]]s (notably ferns), the term is still used interchangeably with "apomixis", and both refer to the formation of [[sporophyte]]s by [[parthenogenesis]] of gametophyte cells.

'''Male apomixis''' ('''paternal apomixis''') involves replacement of the genetic material of an egg by the genetic material of the pollen.

Some authors included all forms of asexual reproduction within apomixis, but that generalization of the term has since died out.<ref name="Bicknell">{{cite journal|last1=Bicknell|first1=Ross A.|last2=Koltunow|first2=Anna M.|author-link2=Anna Koltunow|year=2004|title=Understanding Apomixis: Recent Advances and Remaining Conundrums|journal=The Plant Cell|volume=16|issue=suppl 1|pages=S228–S245|doi=10.1105/tpc.017921|pmc=2643386|pmid=15131250}}</ref>