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Asexual Reproduction Definition
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. Also Read: Reproduction Characteristics of Asexual ReproductionFollowing are the important features of asexual reproduction:
There are different types of asexual reproduction:
Binary FissionThe 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. FragmentationFragmentation 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. Also Read: Fragmentation RegenerationRegeneration 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. BuddingBudding 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. For More Information On Budding, Watch The Below Video:Vegetative PropagationAsexual 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 FormationSpore 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. In asexual reproduction, a single cell is divided to produce offspring. Simple cell-by-cell division is not possible in multicellular organisms. Most of the multicellular organisms have a complex body design. They have a higher level of organization like tissues, organs and organ systems. Thus, they need a special mode for reproduction. Also Read: Modes of Reproduction Recommended Videos:Advantages of Asexual ReproductionFollowing are the advantages of asexual reproduction:
Disadvantages of Asexual ReproductionThe major disadvantages of asexual reproduction are:
Asexual Reproduction ExamplesFollowing are the examples of asexual reproduction:
Also Read: Sexual Reproduction For more detailed information on asexual reproduction, its types,
advantages and disadvantages, examples keep visiting BYJU’S website or download BYJU’S app for further reference. Frequently Asked QuestionsAsexual
reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which only one parent is involved to reproduce offspring. In asexual reproduction, the offsprings produced are exact copies of their parents. It is generally observed in very small-sized organisms. What is the difference between sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction?
How sexual reproduction is advantageous over asexual reproduction?Sexual reproduction brings variations in the population. When gametes (reproductive cells) from two individuals meet, genes from two individuals are coming together. So the offspring
will be different from both parents. That is how more variety can be seen in the offspring in sexual reproduction. Justify the statement ‘Vegetative reproduction is also a type of asexual reproduction.The formation of new plants from the vegetative parts of the plant called vegetative propagules is called vegetative propagation or reproduction.
What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?The advantages of asexual reproduction are following:
Recommended Video:Which type of asexual reproduction produces two identical cells?Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction wherein a cell divides to produce two identical cells. Each of these two cells has the potential to grow to the size of the original cell.
Which statement best describes the process of asexual reproduction?Explanation: Asexual reproduction requires only one parent and produces identical offspring, while sexual reproduction requires two parents and produces non-identical offspring.
Which process produces only identical offspring?Asexual reproduction generates offspring that are genetically identical to a single parent. In sexual reproduction, two parents contribute genetic information to produce unique offspring.
What is fertilization in meiosis?Meiosis is where a diploid cell gives rise to haploid cells, and fertilization is where two haploid cells (gametes) fuse to form a diploid zygote.
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