Biology XII: 1 Reproduction in Organism(1 Asexual Reproduction)

Asexual Reproduction The period through which a certain organism lives is known as its life span. Reproduction is the process by which every organism ensures its continuity. It is the process through which organisms produce young ones, which in turn mature to give rise to their young ones. Reproduction can be: Asexual − Only one individual is involved Sexual − Two individuals (male and female) are involved   Asexual Reproduction In this type, a single parent can produce offspring. The produced offspring are clones of each other (i.e., identical to each other and to the parent). It is commonly seen in unicellular organisms belonging to protista and monera. Here, the cell division itself is the mode of reproduction. Means of Asexual Reproduction Binary Fission − In this process, the cell divides into halves, and each half develops into an adult (example: Amoeba, Paramecium). Budding − In this process, the cell divides unequally to form buds, which remain attached to the parent initially, and then detach and develop into a mature cell (example: yeast). Formation of specialized structures Conidia − (Example: Penicillium) Gemmules − (Example: Sponges) Buds − (Example: Hydra) Zoospores − Microscopic, motile spores (Example: Algae) Vegetative propagation − It means of asexual reproduction in plants. Different structures are capable of giving rise to new plants. Runner − (Example: Gladiolus) Rhizome − (Example: Ginger) Sucker Tuber − (Example: Potato) Offset Bulb − (Example: Onion)