New allopolyploid plant species can arise by hybridization between two species. If hybridization occurs between a diploid plant species with 2n = 14 and a second diploid species with 2n = 22, the new allopolyploid would have 36 chromosomes.Is it likely that sexual reproduction between the allopolyploid species and either of its diploid ancestors would yield fertile progeny? Why or why not?

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of allopolyploidy. Allopolyploidy occurs when two different species hybridize, and the resulting hybrid undergoes chromosome doubling, allowing it to become fertile. This process creates a new species with a combination of chromosomes from both parent species.
2. Step 2: Analyze the chromosome numbers of the parent species. The first diploid species has 2n = 14 chromosomes, meaning its haploid number (n) is 7. The second diploid species has 2n = 22 chromosomes, meaning its haploid number (n) is 11.
3. Step 3: Determine the chromosome composition of the allopolyploid. The hybrid initially inherits one set of chromosomes from each parent species, resulting in 7 + 11 = 18 chromosomes. After chromosome doubling, the allopolyploid has 2 sets of chromosomes from each parent species, resulting in 2(7 + 11) = 36 chromosomes.
4. Step 4: Evaluate the compatibility for sexual reproduction between the allopolyploid and its diploid ancestors. Fertile progeny require homologous chromosomes to pair during meiosis. The allopolyploid has 36 chromosomes, while the diploid ancestors have 14 and 22 chromosomes, respectively. The lack of homologous pairing between the allopolyploid and either diploid ancestor would likely prevent the formation of fertile progeny.
5. Step 5: Conclude that sexual reproduction between the allopolyploid and either diploid ancestor is unlikely to yield fertile progeny. This is because the chromosome sets of the allopolyploid and the diploid ancestors are not compatible for proper meiotic pairing, leading to sterility in the offspring.

Key Concepts

Allopolyploidy

Allopolyploidy is a form of polyploidy that occurs when two different species hybridize, resulting in a new species with multiple sets of chromosomes from both parents. In this case, the new allopolyploid plant species has a chromosome number of 36, which is the sum of the chromosome sets from the two diploid parents (14 + 22). This genetic makeup can lead to unique traits and adaptations but also complicates reproduction with the parent species.

Chromosome Compatibility

Chromosome compatibility is crucial for successful sexual reproduction. For an allopolyploid to produce fertile offspring with its diploid ancestors, the chromosome numbers must align properly during meiosis. In this scenario, the allopolyploid has 36 chromosomes, while the diploid parents have 14 and 22 chromosomes, respectively. This significant difference in chromosome number can lead to issues during gamete formation, often resulting in sterile progeny.

Fertility and Hybridization

Fertility in hybridization depends on the ability of the hybrid organism to undergo meiosis and produce viable gametes. In many cases, hybrids between species with differing chromosome numbers are sterile due to improper pairing of chromosomes during meiosis. Given that the allopolyploid has a different chromosome count than its diploid ancestors, it is unlikely that sexual reproduction would yield fertile progeny, as the genetic mismatch can hinder successful gamete formation.