au·tog·a·my / ôˈtägəmē/ • n. Biol. self-fertilization, esp. the self-pollination of a flower.DERIVATIVES: au·tog·a·mous / -məs/ adj.

autogamy The process of self-fertilization found in some protozoa (e.g. Paramecium). The nucleus of an individual divides into two parts which then reunite, resulting in homozygosis (the production of identical alleles at any gene locus on homologous chromosomes).

autogamy
1. A type of reproduction that occurs in single isolated individuals of ciliate protozoans of the genus Paramecium. The nucleus divides into two genetically identical haploid nuclei, which then fuse to form a diploid zygote. The onset of autogamy is associated with changing environmental conditions and may be necessary to maintain cell vitality.

2. Self-fertilization in plants. See fertilization.

autogamy In a flower, self-fertilization.