Question

Differentiate between autopolyploids and allopolyploids.

Answer 1

Hint: During the development of gamete through sexual reproduction, mainly two types of chromosomal variations i.e. euploidy and aneuploidy, are observed. Both autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy are examples of euploidy.

Complete Answer:
In the genomes of an organism if an additional number of chromosomal sets is found it is referred as euploidy, whereas if a varying number of chromosomes is present then it is referred as aneuploidy. Both autopolyploidy and allopolyploidy are types of euploidy and the major differences between both of them is that in case of autopolyploids, the genome comprises of several sets of chromosomes isolated from identical species while in case of allopolyploids the genome comprises several sets of chromosomes isolated from varying species.

The differentiation between autopolyploids and allopolyploids are illustrated below:

Sl.No	Autopolyploids	Allopolyploids
1.	Chromosomes are derived from the identical species.	Chromosomes are derived from varying species.
2.	Genetic characters of two or more species found in the offspring.	Genetic characters of identical parents are found in the offspring.
3.	Offspring are found to be a hybrid.	Simple offspring are formed.
4.	Lower numbers of chromosomes are found.	Increase in chromosomal number is observed.

The allopolyploid offspring comprises multiple chromosomal sets from diverse species and have a maximum chances genetic composition for two diverse species, thus recognized as hybrids. The formation of the new species is recognized as speciation. The polyploid that evolves from the plants with lesser number of chromosomes through a direct augment of the numbers are recognized as autopolyploids.

Note: Aneuploidy is a condition where either a chromosome is missed or an additional chromosome is found. Such types of cases are mostly observed in the child developed from aging women.