Have you ever wondered how single cell organisms reproduce? They
are not animals, so they do not lay eggs or gestate surely? So let us
learn how do such organism and event some plants reproduce. Let us
educate ourselves about asexual reproduction and modes of asexual
reproduction.
Reproduction
One of the characteristic features of all living organisms is the ability
to reproduce. After all, for a species to continue there has to be
offspring. Otherwise, it will simply end there. Reproduction is a
process through which the cycle of life is maintained. A species gives
rise to its offspring, which in turn gives rise to its offspring,
continuing this life cycle.
Thus, reproduction enables continuity of generations. But, do all
species reproduce in the same way? Obviously not! There is a huge
diversity of the species that live on the earth. So, even the way they
reproduce is different. When an offspring is produced by a single
,parent, it is called asexual reproduction. If two parents are involved,
then it is called sexual reproduction.
Browse more Topics under Reproduction In Organisms
● Vegetative Propagation
● Sexual Reproduction
Asexual Reproduction
When new individuals form from the cells of a single parent, then this
mode of reproduction is called asexual reproduction. Here the
offspring that is produced is identical and are copies of the parent.
These similar looking individual, both genetically and
morphologically are called clones.
Asexual reproduction is quite commonly resent in different living
organisms. It is seen in both plants and animals. It is common in the
case of single-celled organisms. The lower order of animals and plants
show this mode of reproduction, which has a simple body
organization.
, Here, a single parent is involved, without the involvement of the
fertilization process. There is a rapid multiplication and growth that is
seen, occurring in a small period of time. The offspring are genetically
similar.
Modes of Asexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction can occur in various modes. These are discussed
below.
● Binary Fission: One of the modes of asexual reproduction is
binary fission. Mostly seen in single-celled organisms, the cell
divides into two halves. Each half grows at a rapid pace to
become an adult. Examples are Amoeba, Paramecium.
● Fragmentation: In some multicellular organisms such as
Spirogyra, asexual reproduction occurs through fragmentation.
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