REPRODUCTION
What is Asexual Reproduction?
Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which a new
offspring is produced by a single parent. The new individuals
produced are genetically and physically identical to each other, i.e.,
they are the clones of their parents.
Asexual reproduction is observed in both multicellular and
unicellular organisms. This process does not involve any kind of
gamete fusion and there won’t be any change in the number of
chromosomes either. It will inherit the same genes as the parent,
except for some cases where there is a chance of a rare mutation
occurring.
Characteristics of Asexual Reproduction
Following are the important features of asexual reproduction:
*Single parent involved.
*No fertilization or gamete formation takes place.
*This process of reproduction occurs in a very short time.
*The organisms multiply and grow rapidly.
*The offspring is genetically similar.
Types of Asexual reproduction
Binary Fission
The term “fission” means “to divide”. During binary fission, the
parent cell divides into two cells. The cell division patterns vary in
different organisms, i.e., some are directional while others are non-
directional. Amoeba and euglena exhibit binary fission.
It is one of the simplest and uncomplicated methods of asexual
reproduction. The parent cell divides into two, each daughter cell
carrying a nucleus of its own that is genetically identical to the
parent. The cytoplasm also divides leading to two equal-sized
daughter cells. The process repeats itself and the daughter cells
grow and further divide.
Fragmentation
Fragmentation is another mode of asexual reproduction exhibited
by organisms such as spirogyra, planaria etc. The parent body
divides into several fragments and each fragment develops into a
new organism.
Regeneration
Regeneration is the power of growing a new organism from the lost
body part. For eg., when a lizard loses its tail, a new tail grows. This
is because the specialized cells present in the organism can
differentiate and grow into a new individual. Organisms like hydra
and planaria exhibit regeneration.
Budding
Budding is the process of producing an individual through the buds
that develop on the parent body. Hydra is an organism that
reproduces by budding. The bud derives nutrition and shelter from
the parent organism and detaches once it is fully grown.
Vegetative Propagation
Asexual reproduction in plants occurs through their vegetative
parts such as leaves, roots, stems, and buds. This is called
vegetative propagation. For example, potato tubers,
runners/stolon, onion bulbs, etc., all reproduce through vegetative
propagation.
Spore Formation
Spore formation is another means of asexual reproduction. During
unfavourable conditions, the organism develops sac-like structures
called sporangium that contain spores. When the conditions are
favourable, the sporangium burst opens and spores are released
that germinate to give rise to new organisms.
Advantages of Asexual Reproduction
Following are the advantages of asexual reproduction:
*Mates are not required.
*The process of reproduction is rapid.
*An enormous number of organisms can be produced in very less
time.
*Positive genetic influences pass on to successive generations.
*It occurs in various environments.
Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction
The major disadvantages of asexual reproduction are:
*Lack of diversity. Since the offsprings are genetically identical to
the parent they are more susceptible to the same diseases and
nutrient deficiencies as the parent. All the negative mutations
persist for generations.
*Since only one organism is involved, the diversity among the
organisms is limited.
*They are unable to adapt to the changing environment.
*A single change in the environment would eliminate the entire
species.
