Asexual reproduction is that which occurs without the participation of gametes, that is, there is no mixture of genetic material.
In this process, a cell or a group of them detach from the body of a living being and give rise to a new individual.
In asexual reproduction, the formed individuals are genetically identical to each other, clones.
When compared to sexual reproduction, the asexual form is simpler and faster.
Types of Asexual Reproduction
There are some types of asexual reproduction, as we will see below:
Binary Division, Cissiparity or Bipartition
It consists of the division of an individual into two, where the parent ceases to exist.
Occurs in bacteria and protozoa.
binary division in bacteria
budding
The individual forms buds that separate from the parent's body and start to have an independent life, originating a new being.
Common in bacteria, fungi, porifers and cnidarians.
Sporulation
Formation of reproductive cells, the spores, which germinate in suitable environmental conditions and give rise to a new being.
Occurs in bacteria, protozoa and fungi.
fragmentation
When an organism fragments and each of the fragments gives rise to a new individual.
Occurs in planarians and echinoderms.
This type of reproduction is characteristic of the starfish. Each of its five arms can break off and give rise to new individuals.
In vegetables, we call vegetative multiplication.
In this case, a plant can originate others from leaves, aerial stems and underground stems, such as rhizomes, tubercles and bulbs.
Vegetative multiplication can occur naturally or artificially.
Artificial vegetative multiplication is widely used in the plant trade. The most common techniques used are cutting, plunging and grafting.
Also know about:
- What is reproduction?
- sexual reproduction
- Asexual and sexual reproduction.