ReproductionReproduction gives rise to new generations by either asexual or sexual processes. It is crucial for sustaining and growing a population. |
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| Asexual reproduction (or agamogenesis) produces new generations through mitosis, without sexual processes involved (no meiosis, no gamete formation, no fertilization). This is a fast cloning process in which only one parent is needed. It requires less energy and reproduces faster than sexual reproduction. Asexual reproduction can lead to a fast popolation increase. |
Examples of different types of asexual reproduction: |
| Fission | parent cell splits into two identical daughter cells. Examples: bacteria, some algae and fungi |
| Budding | a smaller daughter cell buds off of a larger parent cell. Example: yeast |
| Mitospore formation production of asexual spores by mitosis |
Zoospore: motile; has flagellum for movement;
needs water for swimming. Examples: many aquatic algae and fungi |
| Aplanospore: nonmotile; produced in large amounts; dispersed in wind or water.
Examples: terrestrial lower plants, algae, fungi |
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| Gemma: nonmotile; may grow to form a small plantlet before detaching from parent.
Examples: fungi, algae, liverworts, mosses, some angiosperms |
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| Apomixis | seed formation without fertilization. The equivalent of "parthenogenesis" in animals.
Examples: many angiosperms |
| Vegetative reproduction | growth of a new plant without formation of seeds or
spores, usually from the development of self-sufficient
shoots (e.g. leaves, stems,
rhizomes, bulbs, etc.).
Fragmentation occurs when the self-sufficient parts of the plant become separated.
Examples: most plants |
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