Origins of plant clones: Plants derived sexually from the same parent plant are ____ , while plants regenerated from somatic (non-gametic) tissues of the same plant are ____.

Introduction / Context:
Genetic variation arises through sexual reproduction because gametes are formed via meiosis and undergo random fusion. In contrast, regeneration from somatic tissues (micropropagation, organogenesis, or somatic embryogenesis) is a clonal, asexual process that preserves the donor genotype.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sexual progeny inherit recombined chromosomes from meiosis and independent assortment.
• Somatic tissue culture uses mitotic cells without meiosis, maintaining genotype.
• Somaclonal variation can occur but is generally an exception, not the rule.

Concept / Approach:
Sexual reproduction produces genetically different offspring (except in rare apomixis or selfing scenarios with limited variation). Asexual regeneration yields genetically identical plants—clones of the source plant—assuming no culture-induced mutations.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Horticulture relies on clonal propagation (cuttings, micropropagation) to preserve elite cultivars, confirming that somatic derivatives match the donor genotype and phenotype.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Common Pitfalls:
Overlooking somaclonal variation as a rare complication; assuming sexual selfing always yields identical progeny (it does not due to segregation).

Final Answer:
different, identical.