Question

Describe the different methods of asexual reproduction. Give examples. 

Answer 1

Asexual reproduction does not require male and female partners. In this method, the organisms themselves increase their numbers. The various methods of asexual reproduction are as follows.

1. Budding: A bulge-like structure is formed on the body of a fully grown plant, called a budder. The nucleus of the body cell is divided into two parts, and one of these nuclei comes into the bud. The budder is separated from the body of the parent organism and grows to become a fully grown organism.
2. Fragmentation method: In aquatic plants like algae, multiplication takes place through the fragmentation method. Algae get divided into two or more parts and each part starts growing as a new life. This process continues continuously.
3. Vegetative propagation:  Propagating a lineage by producing new plants from any vegetative multicellular part of the plant without seeds is called vegetative propagation. It is mainly of two types.
   1. Natural vegetative propagation: In nature, the production of new plants from buds present on the roots, stems, leaves, etc., of plants is called natural vegetative propagation, e.g. potato, ginger, stonecrop, etc.
   2. Artificial vegetative propagation: Man himself keeps on preparing plants by his own efforts by planting, grafting or pressure grafting. This process is called artificial vegetative propagation, e.g. rose, mango, etc.
4. Spore formation method: Fungi reproduce by spores. The spores of fungi are present in the air. They are suitable to withstand even unfavourable conditions like high temperatures and low humidity. They are protected by a hard protective cover. Bacteria can survive for a long time. On getting favourable conditions, bacteria germinate and give birth to new organisms. Moss and ferns reproduce by spores.