Parthenogenesis

Parthenogenesis (Partheno-genesis from the Greek παρθενος, "virgin", + γενεσις, "birth") means the growth and development of an embryo or seed without fertilization by a male.

Related Topics:
Greek - Embryo - Seed - Fertilization - Male

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Parthenogenesis occurs naturally in some lower plants (called agamospermy), invertebrates (e.g. water fleas, aphids) and some vertebrates (e.g. lizards, salamanders, some fish, and even turkeys). Parthenogenetic populations are typically all-female.

Related Topics:
Plant - Invertebrate - Water flea - Aphid - Vertebrate - Lizard - Salamander - Fish - Turkeys

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As with all types of asexual reproduction, there are both costs and benefits associated with parthenogenesis.

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Parthenogenesis is seen as a possible way to clone primates, with the emphasis on human cloning. In April 2004, scientists at Tokyo University of Agriculture used parthenogenesis to successfully create fatherless mice.

Related Topics:
Clone - Primate - Human cloning - Tokyo University of Agriculture

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The alternation between parthenogenesis and sexual reproduction is called heterogamy. Forms of reproduction related to parthenogenesis but that require the presence of sperm are known as gynogenesis and hybridogenesis.

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