Question

Name the different modes of asexual reproduction in protists.

Answer 1

Hint: Asexual reproduction is the most common among protists. Asexual reproduction can occur through the following way binary fission, fragmentation, multiple fission, budding, plasmotomy, spore function, regeneration. During both types of fission the organism replicates its nucleus and divides to form new organisms.

Complete Answer:
1. Binary fission: It is a type of reproduction in which parent cells divide into daughter cells along with its genetic information. It is the division of the parent body into two equal daughter individuals by mitosis. Examples: Amoeba, Euglena and Paramecium.

2. Fragmentation: A new individual is born as a fragment is detached from the parent organism. It has the potential to develop into a mature individual that exhibits the characteristics similar to that of parents. Example Spirogyra.

3. Multiple fission: It is division of the parent organism into several daughter individuals. Exampes: Amoeba and Plasmodium.

4. Budding: In budding, a small outgrowth develops from the parent body which separates and develops into a new individual. Examples: Arcella (a sarcodine).

5. Plasmotomy: It is the division of the multinucleate protist into two or more multinucleate offspring by the division of cytoplasm without nuclear division. It occurs in Opalina.

6. Spore formation: In some protists, spores are formed for sexual reproduction. Spores have some sort of covering to withstand unfavourable conditions. On germination, each spore gives rise to a new individual. Examples: Slime moulds.

7. Regeneration: Entities with specialized cells differentiate themselves into separate new individuals. These cells then multiply to form a group of cells which undergo certain changes to transform into cells and tissues of different types and later move to the developmental stage. Example – Planaria.

Note: Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which one or multiple offsprings arise from a single parent. In protists, asexual reproduction can occur in the following ways: Binary fission, Multiple fission, Plasmotomy, Spore formationand Budding.