Modes of Reproduction - Class 10 PDF Download

Reproduction Definition

Reproduction is a life process which enables an organism to reproduce its own offspring. Thus, they continue their species without extinction.

Types of Reproduction

Reproduction can take place by the participation of a single parent or two parents. Based on this, reproduction can be classified into two types.

• Asexual reproduction: A type of reproduction where a single parent is divided by itself and reproduce its offspring.
• Sexual reproduction: A process where two parents participate in producing their offspring.

Asexual Reproduction

“Asexual reproduction is the mode of reproduction that is involved in the production of off springs by a single parent.”

What is Asexual Reproduction?

Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent. The new individuals produced are genetically and physically identical to each other, i.e., they are the clones of their parent.
Asexual reproduction is observed in both multicellular and unicellular organisms. This process does not involve any kind of gamete fusion and there won’t be any change in the number of chromosomes either. It will inherit the same genes as the parent, except for some cases where there is a chance of rare mutation to occur.

Characteristics of Asexual Reproduction

Following are the important features of asexual reproduction:

1. Single parent involved.
2. No fertilization or gamete formation takes place.
3. This process of reproduction occurs in a very short time.
4. The organisms multiply and grow rapidly.
5. The offspring is genetically similar.

Types of Asexual Reproduction

There are different types of asexual reproduction:

• Binary Fission
• Budding
• Fragmentation
• Vegetative Propagation
• Sporogenesis

Binary Fission

The term “fission” means “to divide”. During binary fission, the parent cell divides into two cells. The cell division patterns vary in different organisms, i.e., some are directional while others are non-directional. Amoeba and euglena exhibit binary fission.
It is one of the simplest and uncomplicated methods of asexual reproduction. The parent cell divides into two, each daughter cell carrying a nucleus of its own that is genetically identical to the parent. The cytoplasm also divides leading to two equal-sized daughter cells. The process repeats itself and the daughter cells grow and further divide.

Fragmentation

Fragmentation is another mode of asexual reproduction exhibited by organisms such as spirogyra, planaria etc. The parent body divides into several fragments and each fragment develops into a new organism.

Regeneration

Regeneration is the power of growing a new organism from the lost body part. For eg., when a lizard loses its tail, a new tail grows. This is because the specialized cells present in the organism can differentiate and grow into a new individual. Organisms like hydra and planaria exhibit regeneration.

Budding
Budding is the process of producing an individual through the buds that develop on the parent body. Hydra is an organism that reproduces by budding. The bud derives nutrition and shelter from the parent organism and detaches once it is fully grown.

Vegetative Propagation

Asexual reproduction in plants occurs through their vegetative parts such as leaves, roots, stem, and buds. This is called vegetative propagation. For example, potato tubers, runners/stolon, onion bulbs, etc., all reproduce through vegetative propagation.

Spore Formation

Spore formation is another means of asexual reproduction. During unfavourable conditions, the organism develops sac-like structures called sporangium that contain spores. When the conditions are favourable, the sporangium burst opens and spores are released that germinate to give rise to new organisms.

In asexual reproduction, a single cell is divided to produce offspring. The simple cell-by-cell division is not possible in multicellular organisms. Most of the multicellular organisms have a complex body design. They have a higher level of organization like tissues, organs and organ system. Thus, they need a special mode for reproduction.

Advantages of Asexual Reproduction

Following are the advantages of asexual reproduction:

• Mates not required.
• The process of reproduction is rapid.
• An enormous number of organisms can be produced in very less time.
• Positive genetic influences pass on to successive generations.
• It occurs in various environments.

Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction

The major disadvantages of asexual reproduction are:

• Lack of diversity. Since the offsprings are genetically identical to the parent they are more susceptible to the same diseases and nutrient deficiencies as the parent. All the negative mutations persist for generations.
• Since only one organism is involved, the diversity among the organisms is limited.
• They are unable to adapt to the changing environment.
• A single change in the environment would eliminate the entire species.

Asexual Reproduction Examples

Following are the examples of asexual reproduction:

• Bacterium undergoes binary fission in which the cell divides into two along with the nucleus.
• Blackworms or mudworms reproduce through fragmentation.
• Hydras reproduce through budding.
• Organisms such as copperheads undergo parthenogenesis.
• Sugarcane can be grown through vegetative propagation.

Let us study about sexual reproduction.

Sexual Reproduction

Sexual reproduction is a natural way of reproduction in humans, animals and the majority of plants also choose to reproduce sexually. This type of reproduction is more complex and lengthy as compared to asexual reproduction. Moreover, reproducing sexually gives the benefit of variation and off springs are unique. Sexual reproduction consists of a set of events and can be divided into three stages: Pre-fertilization, Fertilization, and Post-fertilization.

Stages of Sexual Reproduction

Pre-Fertilization

This stage involves the events prior to fertilization. Gamete formation (gametogenesis) and transfer of gamete are the two processes that take place during this stage. Gametes are sex cells, which are haploid (23 chromosomes) in nature and are distinct in males and females. The male gamete is called sperm whereas female gamete is called ovum or egg. In every organism, these gametes are formed within special structures. Since female gamete is immobile, male gametes need to be transferred for fertilization.
In plants, this is attained by pollination. Unisexual animals transfer gametes by sexual intercourse.

Fertilization

Once the haploid male and female gametes meet and fuse together to form a zygote, this is known as fertilization or syngamy. This can occur either outside the body called external fertilization or inside the body called internal fertilization.

Post-Fertilization

Fertilization results in diploid zygote formation. Eventually, the zygote divides mitotically and develops as an embryo. This process is called embryogenesis. During embryogenesis, cell differentiates and modifies accordingly. Zygote development depends on the organism and its life cycle.

Animals are classified into oviparous and viviparous based on whether the zygote develops outside or inside the body respectively. In angiosperms, the zygote develops into the ovary and ovary transforms into the fruit while ovules develop into seeds.