Question

Define regeneration and fragmentation.

Answer 1

Hint: Both are types of asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, the only one parent gives rise to new organisms. In fragmentation reproduction fully new organisms arise from pre-existing cells, whereas in regeneration only a certain part or full body can re-grow.

Complete answer:
Regeneration: Regeneration is a process where complete or partial body parts can regrow through specialized stem cells present in it. When organisms are broken into several pieces then each piece can regrow their missing parts. A most common example we can see in our environment is regrowth of lizard’s tail. It is generally seen in multicellular complex body structure organisms.

Fragmentation: In this process, organisms are split into small pieces and each piece grows into new organisms. These new offspring are cloned to their parents. A most common example is spirogyra. Fragmentation is seen in multicellular simple body organisms.

Additional information: In regeneration can also see in other organisms like an octopus, jellyfish, etc. Fungi, annelid worm, sea anemones, sponges etc can undergo fragmentation. Both vertebrates and invertebrates can undergo regeneration. Whereas, in fragmentation, only invertebrates can undergo. Plants also undergo both regeneration and fragmentation processes. Especially non-vascular plants in case of fragmentation.

Note: Both processes look similar to each other because new organisms are rising from broken or split body parts. But in the case of fragmentation, no missing body part can regrow. In these cases, only new separated organisms are formed. However, in regeneration new organisms as well as missing body parts can regrow.