Question

Asexual reproduction involves a single parent to produce offsprings without the formation of gametes. It occurs by the following ways: Fission, Budding, Fragmentation, Spore formation and Regeneration. In one of the methods like regeneration, Planaria A is cut horizontally into three pieces L, M and N and Planaria B is cut vertically into two equal halves - O and P.

1. Which of the cut pieces of the two Planaria could regenerate to form a complete organism?         1
2. Give an example of another organism that follows the same mode of reproduction as Planaria.         1
3. What is the meaning of 'development' in regeneration?         2
                                  OR
   Differentiate between regeneration and fragmentation.         2

Answer 1

1. Among the cut pieces of Planaria A and Planaria B, the parts L, M, N, O, and P can regenerate into fully formed organisms. Planaria possesses regenerative abilities, allowing each severed fragment to eventually regenerate into a full organism.
2. The starfish reproduces similarly to Planaria. Starfish may regrow lost arms, and in some cases, a severed arm can grow into an entire human.
3. In regeneration, 'development' refers to the process of regenerating a damaged or severed component of an organism through cell division, differentiation, and growth, resulting in a functional organism. Regeneration involves the specialization and division of cells at the site of injury or cutting, resulting in the development of tissues and organs.
                                       OR
   

   	Regeneration	Fragmentation
   Definition	Regeneration refers to an organism's ability to regrow or replace destroyed bodily parts.	Fragmentation is a type of asexual reproduction in which an organism divides into pieces, each with the potential to develop into a new individual.
   Process	It involves the development of specialised cells at the site of injury, leading to the formation of new tissues and structures.	Fragments develop into new individuals without necessarily undergoing the specialisation of cells, as seen in regeneration.
   Example	Planaria can regenerate into complete organisms from cut pieces.	Some species of flatworms, like the tapeworm, reproduce through fragmentation.