A clone is an organism (or cell) that is genetically identical to its parent or to other clones. Clones are produced by asexual reproduction, using only mitosis, so there is no meiosis, no fusion of gametes and no new combination of alleles. Any differences between clones come from mutations or the environment.Many plants clone themselves naturally. This is possible because plants keep regions of unspecialised, dividing cells called meristems throughout their lives, for example in the tips of shoots and roots and in the cambium. Meristem cells are totipotent or close to it, so they can divide and differentiate into all the tissues needed to form a whole new plant.Natural cloning in plants is called vegetative propagation: a new plant grows from part of the parent plant, such as a stem, leaf or root, rather than from a seed. The new plant may stay attached for a while before becoming independent.Why plants clone in nature• It is quick, so plants can colonise an area rapidly.
• Only one parent is needed, so no pollinator or mate is required.
• Offspring inherit a set of alleles that is already well suited to the local environment.
• Food stores in the organ give the young plant a good start.The disadvantage is that all the clones are genetically identical. If the environment changes, or a new disease or pest arrives, the whole population may be equally vulnerable, because there is no genetic variation for natural selection to act on.
• Only one parent is needed, so no pollinator or mate is required.
• Offspring inherit a set of alleles that is already well suited to the local environment.
• Food stores in the organ give the young plant a good start.The disadvantage is that all the clones are genetically identical. If the environment changes, or a new disease or pest arrives, the whole population may be equally vulnerable, because there is no genetic variation for natural selection to act on.