Question

What are the different modes of asexual reproduction in plants? Cite them with examples.

Answer 1

Hint: Reproduction is a mechanism through which an organism or plants produce their progeny. There are mainly two types of reproduction depending upon the production of gametes or the absence of gametes i.e. sexual and asexual reproduction.

Complete answer:
Asexual reproduction generally occurs in a single parent who is involved in reproduction and in this case no gametes production happens. So, new plant progeny rises from a vegetative part of the parent plant. This mode of reproduction is known as asexual reproduction.
There are different modes through which plants naturally reproduce asexually includes Budding, Vegetative propagation, fragmentation, and spore formation:

> Budding: It is a mode of reproduction in which a new plant originates from the outward projection known as buds, which are usually formed due to the cell division occurring at a particular site. For example, if we place a potato for a longer period, we can notice many small outward projections, which are mainly termed as eyes. These small projections can be planted and they are capable of generating a new plant itself.
This picture showing the budding in a potato:

> Vegetative propagation: In this mode of reproduction new plants originate from the vegetative part of the plant like root, stems, or buds. The most common procedure of vegetative propagation involves:
 Roots: The new plant produces from the modified roots for example in sweet potatoes.
 Stems: Runner is stems which grow horizontally above the ground, they contain nodes from which buds come out and give rise to the new plant.
> Leaves: In several plants, detached leaves from the parent plants can be utilized to develop a new plant. They show the growth of small plants, known as plantlets, present on the edge of the plant. The most known example is in Bryophyllum.
Picture showing vegetative propagation in Bryophyllum with small plantlets:

> Fragmentation: In this mode of reproduction new progeny originates from the part of the parent plant. Each fragment of the plant develops into a fully grown and mature individual. For example in lichens.
> Spore formation: It is an asexual reproductive body that is covered by a hard protective covering to withstand harsh and unfavourable conditions like high temperature or low humidity. When favourable conditions are present these spores germinate and grow into a new plant. For example, ferns, moss, etc.

Note: In asexual reproduction, progenies are genetically identical to their parent plants, because there is no mixing of male or female gametes which are responsible for the variation. Asexual reproduction increased the rate of maturity and a well-made adult plant.