Question

How is binary fusion different from budding?

Answer 1

Hint: The type of reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes and can occur through a single parent is called asexual reproduction. Binary fusion and budding are the two methods of asexual reproduction.

Complete answer:
Asexual mode of reproduction occurs in- prokaryotic organisms and some eukaryotic organisms. It requires the involvement of a single parent, and the offspring produced have no mixed genetic information. It is a fast process that occurs in a short period of time. A large number of offspring are produced in this process that are genetically identical to their parents.

The methods of asexual reproduction are- Budding, Binary fusion, Fragmentation, and Parthenogenesis.
Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction where a prokaryotic cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. It is a fast process and requires only one parent. It occurs in the domain Archaea and Bacteria.

Budding is a method of asexual reproduction where a cell develops an outgrowth or bud due to the cell division at that site. The outgrowth is a specialized reproductive structure formed. The new organism or offspring develops from that bud. It occurs in prokaryotic cells like yeast and some invertebrate animals like the hydra.
The differences between binary fusion and budding are-

Binary Fusion	Budding
A single organism divides to form two daughter cells.	A bud arises from the parent as an outgrowth and increases in size to form a new organism.
The identity of the parent organism is lost as it is divided to form two daughter cells.	The identity of the parent molecule is not lost and remains the same after the detachment of the offspring.
It occurs in unicellular organisms.	It occurs in unicellular as well as multicellular organisms.
It is a type of fission reaction, where one cell splits to form two new cells.	It is a type of vegetative propagation. Here, a fragment of the organism or any other reproductive structure makes the whole new organism.
It is a symmetric division, and the offsprings formed are equal in shape and size.	It is an unsymmetric division with offsprings differing in size. The parent cell is larger than the daughter cells.
Mitosis is followed by equal cytokinesis.	Mitosis is followed by unequal cytokinesis.
It results in the formation of two daughter cells.	It results in the formation of a single daughter cell. The mother cell remains the same.
It is a rapid and fast process.	It is a slow process and happens gradually.
Even distribution of the cytoplasm of the parent cell occurs.	Uneven distribution of the cytoplasm of the parent cell occurs.
It occurs in the prokaryotic cells of archaea and bacteria.	It occurs in eukaryotic organisms like fungi, sponges, some plants, and prokaryotic organisms like yeast.
It is a natural process and cannot be induced artificially.	It can be induced artificially in horticulture for various purposes.

Note: Fragmentation is often confused with budding. In the former process, the parent body breaks into various fragments that grow separately to form the entire organism. An outgrowth or bud is necessary for budding to occur.
Binary fusion is often confused with mitosis in eukaryotic organisms. The former is a cell division process that occurs for the growth of the organism. Binary fusion is a mode of asexual reproduction.