allopolyploid: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 / Very LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “allopolyploid” mean?
An organism or cell that contains two or more complete sets of chromosomes derived from different species.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An organism or cell that contains two or more complete sets of chromosomes derived from different species.
In genetics and evolutionary biology, it refers to the polyploid condition resulting from the combination of genomes from distinct species through hybridization and subsequent chromosome doubling, leading to reproductive isolation and often the formation of new species.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. Pronunciation follows general UK/US patterns for vowels and stress.
Connotations
Identical scientific connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Extremely rare outside of specialist genetics, botany, or evolutionary biology contexts. Frequency is similar in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “allopolyploid” in a Sentence
[Organism/Genus] is an allopolyploid.[Organism] arose through allopolyploidy.The allopolyploid [noun] shows...to form/identify/classify as an allopolyploid.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “allopolyploid” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hybrid is thought to have allopolyploidised relatively recently in its evolutionary history.
- The species appears to have undergone allopolyploidisation.
American English
- The hybrid likely allopolyploidized after the last glacial period.
- Researchers are trying to get these plants to allopolyploidize in the lab.
adverb
British English
- The plant originated allopolyploidically.
- The genome evolved allopolyploidically, not autopolyploidically.
American English
- The species formed allopolyploidically via hybridization and duplication.
- The trait was fixed allopolyploidically.
adjective
British English
- The allopolyploid nature of wheat was confirmed by genomic analysis.
- They studied the allopolyploid cytotype.
American English
- This is a classic allopolyploid system in ferns.
- Allopolyploid speciation is a major force in plant evolution.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core term in genetics, botany, and evolutionary biology. Used in research papers, textbooks, and lectures on speciation, plant breeding, and genome evolution.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Precise term in scientific literature, lab reports, and discussions of cytogenetics and plant breeding programs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “allopolyploid”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “allopolyploid”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “allopolyploid”
- Misspelling as 'allopoliploid' (missing a 'p').
- Using 'polyploid' as a strict synonym (polyploid is the umbrella term; allopolyploid is a specific type).
- Confusing the prefixes 'allo-' (different) and 'auto-' (same).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Autopolyploids have multiple chromosome sets from the same species (e.g., a tetraploid from a diploid parent). Allopolyploids have multiple chromosome sets derived from different, though often related, species via hybridization and chromosome doubling.
It is rare in animals but common in plants. Many important crop plants like wheat, cotton, canola, and strawberries are allopolyploids.
Yes, often they can. After chromosome doubling, the hybrid may become fertile, as each chromosome has a homologous partner from its own progenitor genome, allowing normal meiosis. This fertility facilitates the establishment of a new species.
It is a major mechanism of sympatric speciation, especially in plants. It generates instant genetic novelty and reproductive isolation, can lead to hybrid vigour, and is a key driver of plant biodiversity and domestication.
An organism or cell that contains two or more complete sets of chromosomes derived from different species.
Allopolyploid is usually technical / scientific in register.
Allopolyploid: in British English it is pronounced /ˌæləʊˈpɒlɪplɔɪd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌæloʊˈpɑːlɪplɔɪd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'ALLO' means 'other' (like in 'allergy' to other things) + 'POLY' means 'many' + 'PLOID' means 'chromosome sets'. So, an ALLO-POLY-PLOID has 'many chromosome sets from other (species)'.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GENOME IS A BLUEPRINT / A RECIPE. Allopolyploidy is like merging the complete architectural blueprints (or recipes) from two different buildings (cuisines) to create an entirely new, more complex structure (dish).
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining feature of an allopolyploid?