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heterofertilization

noun het·ero·fertilization \ "+ \

Definition of heterofertilization

: double fertilization in a seed plant (as maize) that results in phenotypically and probably genotypically different endosperm and embryo
  • heterofertilization is considered to result when the polar nuclei and the egg fuse with male nuclei of differing genetic constitution

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Origin and Etymology of heterofertilization

heter- + fertilization

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