Question

What is an allodiploid? What factor determines the fertility of an allodiploid? Why are allotetraploids more likely than allodiploids to be fertile?

Short answer

An allodiploid is an organism with one set of chromosomes from two different species, with fertility determined by chromosome compatibility during meiosis. On the other hand, an allotetraploid contains two complete sets of chromosomes from each of two different species, and is more likely to be fertile because the extra set of chromosomes generally allows for proper pairing during meiosis.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Allodiploids

An allodiploid is an organism that contains one set of chromosomes from two different species. In other words, one half of its genetic material comes from one species, and the other half comes from another species.

Fertility Determination in Allodiploids

The fertility of an allodiploid is determined by the compatibility of the two sets of chromosomes. If the chromosomes can pair up correctly during meiosis (cell division), then the organism will be fertile. If not, it will be sterile.

Understanding Allotetraploids

An allotetraploid is an organism that has two complete sets of chromosomes from each of two different species. It’s like being a hybrid, but with double the genetic material.

Fertility in Allotetraploids and Allodiploids

Allotetraploids are more likely to be fertile than allodiploids because the extra set of chromosomes usually allows for proper pairing during meiosis. Allodiploids often have problems with pairing because there is only one set of chromosomes from each species, which can lead to complications. On the other hand, allotetraploids have two sets of chromosomes from each species, increasing the chances of successful pairing and fertility.