What does allogamy mean?
Allogamy is the fusion of reproductive cells, or gametes, from two different individuals. It is especially important in the study of flowering plants, where pollen from one plant may fertilize another, but the term also occurs more broadly in genetics and reproductive biology. When the parents are genetically different, allogamy can increase genetic diversity in a population; when they are genetically similar, it may still help prevent the harmful effects associated with prolonged inbreeding. The word is frequently contrasted with autogamy, which means self-fertilization within a single individual. Related technical terms include the adjective allogamous and the adverb allogamously. Although allogamy can sound obscure, it names a central reproductive process and helps biologists distinguish reproduction involving separate individuals from reproduction that occurs entirely within one organism.
nounThe fusion of gametes from two different individuals, especially in plants. In genetics, it may more specifically refer to fertilization between individuals that are genetically different.
- The fusion of gametes from two different individuals, especially during plant reproduction; in some genetic contexts, the term specifically implies that the individuals are genetically different.
"The botanist studied how allogamy promotes genetic diversity in flowering plants."
"Allogamy allows flowering plants to exchange genetic material with other individuals."
"The researchers compared the effects of allogamy and self-fertilization on seed viability."
The regular plural is used when referring to multiple instances or forms of cross-individual fertilization.
"Researchers compared the rates of allogamies in two plant populations."
Allogamy is reproduction’s version of meeting someone new: the genes must come from a different individual.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does allogamy come from?
The word combines Greek allos, meaning “other,” with gamos, meaning “marriage” or union, literally suggesting union with another individual. The adjective allogamous and adverb allogamously were developed from the same Greek elements and are also used in biological description.
Related word forms
How allogamy is actually used
This is primarily a formal scientific term used in botany, genetics, and reproductive biology. It is broader than “outcrossing” in some contexts but is often used interchangeably with it in plant breeding.
Easily confused with allogamy
Allogamy involves reproductive cells from different individuals, whereas autogamy involves self-fertilization within the same individual.