Can apomictic embryos be called clones?

Yes, they are clones.

The correct answer is Option (1) →Yes, they are clones.

Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where seeds are produced without fertilization. The resulting embryos are genetically identical to the parent plant, meaning they are clones. Since no genetic recombination occurs, apomictic offspring retain the same genetic composition as the mother plant.

Other options:

No, they have different genetic compositions. – Incorrect

• Apomictic embryos are genetically identical to the parent, so they do not have different genetic compositions.

Only if they are produced by nucellar cells. – Incorrect

• Apomixis can occur via nucellar embryony (from nucellar cells) or from the unreduced embryo sac.
• In both cases, the embryos are clones of the parent plant.

Cloning does not occur in apomixis. – Incorrect

• Apomixis is a natural form of cloning since it produces genetically identical offspring.