Question

What is the importance of Polyploidy.

Answer 1

Most organisms, especially the eukaryotic organism, contain two paired homologous sets of chromosomes. The organism receives one set from each of the two parents. They are known as diploid. But in some organisms, the number of homologous sets of chromosomes may be higher than the usual number.

Complete answer: The condition in an organism in which the cells have more than the two pairs of homologous chromosomes are known as polyploidy and the organisms are known as polyploid organisms. Polyploid condition is very common in plants. In plants, polyploids arise by doubling of the chromosomes in the early stages of embryo development or through the absence or changes of reduction of chromosomal number after union and fusion of gametes.
Polyploidy is important and it is known to give rise to different species of wild and cultivable species. Due to the presence of an extra set of chromosomes, the polyploid plants are regarded as more advanced over the others. The polyploidy is very important in the development of varieties that are very much useful in the production of crops.
The polyploid plant species show a number of useful features such as they are larger in size, produce large fruits and seeds. The plants are more vigorous in nature and are resistant to diseases as compared to the normal plants. The polyploids are much useful in economical aspects as they show increased production.
The polyploids also are better adjusted to the environmental conditions and can withstand fluctuations in the climate. They are drought and cold resistance. Some of the important polyploids are wheat, cotton, oats, Brassica species and tomatoes. The polyploids are rich in chemical and nutrition content.
In addition to this, polyploids are important in evolutionary and genetic studies. The polyploids are considered as the source of origin of new species and varieties and thus, it is very important in systematics. It is equally important in the conversation of the different species and helps as an important tool to study genetic composition and speciation.

Note: Polyploidy is the presence of an extra pair of chromosomes in an organism. The polyploid organisms contain extra chromosomes or chromosomes that are present in addition to the actual two pairs of homologous chromosomes. It plays an important role in evolution of plant species and is responsible for speciation. The polyploid plants are favored economically due to their increased growth and production of larger fruits etc. as well as are disease resistant.