What is the Difference Between Autopolyploidy and Allopolyploidy?

Autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy are two types of polyploidy, where an organism has more than two sets of chromosomes. The main differences between autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy are:

Origin of chromosomes: In autopolyploidy, the chromosomes are derived from the same species, while in allopolyploidy, the chromosomes are derived from different species.
Genetic characteristics: Autopolyploids have genetic characters from identical parents, while allopolyploids have genetic characters from two or more species found in the offspring.
Hybrid offspring: Allopolyploid offspring are hybrids, whereas autopolyploid offspring are not.
Chromosomal variation: Autopolyploids have a smaller amount of genetic variance within the offspring due to only one parent being involved, while allopolyploids have a larger amount of genetic variation due to the involvement of two species.
Reproduction: Autopolyploid individuals can reproduce sexually, while allopolyploid individuals cannot easily reproduce with the species that made them.

Some examples of autopolyploid organisms include the piggyback plant and wheat plants such as Triticum aestivum. Allopolyploid organisms can be found in genera like Gossypium (cotton). Both autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy are types of euploidy, which is characterized by the presence of multiple sets of chromosomes in an organism's genome.

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What is the Difference Between Autopolyploidy and Allopolyploidy?

Comparative Table: Autopolyploidy vs Allopolyploidy

Autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy are two types of polyploidy, which refers to the presence of more than two sets of chromosomes in an organism. Here is a table highlighting the differences between autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy:

Feature	Autopolyploidy	Allopolyploidy
Chromosome Origin	More than two sets of chromosomes from the same parental species	More than two sets of chromosomes from different parental species
Genetic Variation	Limited genetic variation due to single parental lineage	Increased genetic variation due to the combination of genes from different species
Reproduction	Autopolyploids often have reduced fertility	Allopolyploids can reproduce more easily, especially after doubling their chromosome number
Fertility	Reduced fertility is more common in autopolyploids	Self-fertilization is less common in allopolyploids, but can occur after doubling their chromosome number
Chromosome Pairing	Polysomic inheritance pattern, where duplicated chromosomes are completely homologous	Disomic or polysomic inheritance pattern, where duplicated chromosomes are homoeologous or partially homologous
Diploid-like Behavior	Amphidiploidy, where autopolyploids behave like diploids during meiosis	No diploid-like behavior, as genomes are from different parental species
Environmental Adaptability	Greater ability to colonize new habitats due to gene buffering	Colonization potential may be higher in autopolyploids, but allopolyploids can create more fit hybrids through interbreeding

In summary, autopolyploidy involves more than two sets of chromosomes from the same parental species, resulting in limited genetic variation and potential fertility issues. In contrast, allopolyploidy involves chromosomes from different parental species, leading to increased genetic variation, and potentially higher reproductive success.

Guilherme Mazui

Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.