Autopolyploidiassa

Autopolyploidy is a type of polyploidy where an individual has more than two sets of chromosomes, and all these sets originate from the same species. This occurs when an organism's chromosomes fail to segregate properly during meiosis, leading to gametes with double the normal chromosome number. If such a gamete fuses with a normal gamete, the resulting zygote will be triploid (3n). If two such diploid gametes fuse, the resulting zygote will be tetraploid (4n). Autopolyploidy can also arise from a complete failure of chromosome segregation in mitosis, leading to a doubling of the entire chromosome set within an individual. This can result in fertile diploid and tetraploid individuals within the same population. Autopolyploidy is a significant factor in plant evolution, often leading to immediate speciation due to reproductive isolation from the parent species. It can also result in larger cell size, increased vigor, and altered morphological characteristics in the polyploid organism. Examples of autopolyploids are found in various plant groups, including some crop plants like potatoes and alfalfa. While less common in animals, it does occur in some species, such as certain fish and invertebrates. The process of autopolyploidy can be induced artificially through the use of chemicals like colchicine, which interfere with spindle formation during cell division.