Origins of polyploids.

Abstract

1. Polyploidy is a conspicuous feature of chromosomal evolution in higher plants. It is common in many genera, and numerous species are characterized by diploid and polyploid races. 2. Polyploid evolution is a process not an event. 3. Polyploid may involve somatic chromsome doubling or sexual functioning of cytologically non-reduced gametes. 4. Spontaneous chromosome doubling, either in the zygote to produce a polyploid is plant or in apical meristem to produce a polyploid chimera, is a rare event. 5. The common mode of polyploidy is through the formation and sexual functioning of cytologically non-reduced gametes. Increased in chromosome number can occur in the first or later hybrid generations. 6. Polyploid via cytologically non-reduced gametes is commonly a two step process. A diploid (2n) female gamete is fertilized by a haploid (n) male gamete to produce a triploid (3x), which in turn produces cytologically non-reduced triploid (3n) female gametes that are fertilized by haploid (n) gametes of the diploid parents and result in tetraploid (4x) offspring. 7. Fertilization of a rare diploid (2n) female gamete by an equally rare diploid (2n) male gamete to directly produce a tetraploid (4x) is extremely rare but does occur. 8. Polyploidy is successful only if the new polyploids are able to complete with their parents. Success depends on availability of suitable habitals, as well as the ability to produce successful offspring. 9. The most successful polyploids combine the diploid genomes of cytogenetically allied, but differently adapted taxa. 10. Fertility is restored in polyploids through cytological diploidization of the genomes or through gametophytic apomixis. 11. Reversible tetaploidy is part of polyploid evolution.