Practice question

Autopolyploidy results from duplication of the same genome within a single species. An individual becomes AAA or AAAA instead of AA, so all chromosome sets are homologous and derived from identical ancestral species. Mechanisms include meiotic nondisjunction producing unreduced 2n gametes that self-fertilize, mitotic failure after chromosome replication, or experimental colchicine treatment blocking spindle. Autopolyploids exhibit multivalent formation at meiosis, polysomic inheritance, and gigas effects with larger cells. Classic examples include potato, alfalfa, and autotetraploid maize created for vigorous vegetative growth and yield.