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Fragmentation and regeneration are forms of asexual reproduction. Fragmentation the term itself refers that the parent body divides into various sections or fragments. In many organisms’ asexual reproduction which are unicellular or multicellular organisms with simple body organization. This fragmentation can occur due to natural death or unnatural circumstances occurring around in the environment.
On the other hand, Regeneration is form where organisms can regrow themselves or their certain part of their body when it is lost.
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Keywords: Fragmentation, spirogyra, asexual, reproduction, regeneration, multi-cellular, fragments, planaria, specialized cells
Fragmentation
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In this process an organism breaks up into two or more fragments and each fragment develop into an adult organism. The main example is Spirogyra. It is a longitudinal. It is a multicellular organism. Spirogyra is a type of algae and the color is green due to photosynthesis. It has multiple nucleus and all nucleus are spread spirally throughout. Whenever any part of this plant falls down then it forms a new spirogyra.
The main disadvantage of this process of reproduction is that it does not produce genetic diversity in the offspring making them more vulnerable
Fragmentation can be seen in many organisms such as molds, sea stars, annelid worms, sponges etc.
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Regeneration
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Regeneration is a process of getting back a full organism from the body parts of the present individual. Regeneration is carried out by specialized cells. It is process that happens in humans as well. For e.g., when a person is bleeding a clot is formed and after some time the skin comes back. This is regeneration. In this asexual reproduction, the part which is cut and the left-over part both will regenerate.
The best example of regeneration is Planaria which is a type of flatworm. If they are cut from any part, they can fully regenerate. That is why, it is difficult to kill planaria.
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Difference Between Fragmentation and Regeneration
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| Fragmentation | Regeneration |
|---|---|
| It is a process of breaking an organism into many fragments which are capable of growing into new organisms. | It is a process of regrowth of broken parts of the body. |
| It is more commonly seen in plants than in animals. | It is more commonly seen in animals than in plants. |
| There is new formation of the organisms from each fragment | There is no new formation but only regrowth |
| This process is seen in only in organisms which are multi cellular. | This process is seen in organisms which multi cellular as well have complex body organization. |
| This process does not need specialized cells | This process needs specialized cells for cell growth |
| Fragmentation cannot be seen in invertebrates | Regeneration can be seen in both vertebrates and invertebrates |
| Fragmentation can occur due to natural process as it is highly dependent on the structural complexity | It is seen in many living organisms and mostly resulted due the damage to the body part |
| E.g.- sea anemones, sponges, molds, lichens undergo the process of fragmentation | E.g. - the tail of lizard. Planaria, hydra, octopus and even regrowth of blood vessels in humans are examples of regeneration. |
Things to Remember
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- Each and every organism exhibits the phenomenon of regeneration whether all the time or some time.
- Fragmentation can occur both intentionally and unintentionally i.e., through natural ways only.
- Fragmentation can be achieved in relatively less time than through sexual reproduction.
- Fragmentation also plays a vital role in DNA cloning. The fragments are basically cloned organisms.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ques: Are fragmentation and regeneration same?
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Ans: No, they are not same but both are the type of asexual reproduction. Fragmentation deals with process of splitting of an organism into different fragments. They are basically cloned organisms. They develop into full-fledged organism whereas Regeneration means regrowth in organism and the process can even be seen in humans.
Ques: What are types of Regeneration?
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Ans: There are mainly two types of Regeneration:
- Reparative regeneration- In thus multi-cellular organism has the power to recover certain damaged cells of the body.
- Restorative regeneration- It is a process where the multi- cellular organism can redevelop the severed body parts or whole-body part from a body segment.
Ques: In humans which organ can regenerate?
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Ans: In humans the body part that can be regenerated is Liver. Liver has the great regenerative capacity. It has been recognized for many years way back from Greek mythology. If the liver can be repaired then can it regenerated but it is not the case all the time. When it is damaged beyond repair then it cannot be regenerated and thus transplant is necessary.
Ques: What is the difference between regeneration and reproduction?
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Ans: Regeneration is a process of asexual reproduction where no new organism is formed but only regrowth happens. It means restoration of lost part of its body. For regeneration specialized cells are required while reproduction is forming a whole new organism. Reproduction can be by way of sexual or asexual reproduction.
Ques: Why spirogyras multiply?
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Ans: Spirogyras have multi- cellular structures which are spiral in shape consisting of nucleus. Spirogyra contains multiple nucleus so when on part falls or is separated then it forms a new spirogyra. The multiplicity of nucleus is the main reasons for fragmentation in spirogyra. The process of breakage of an organism into various fragments results in formation of new organism. They are known as cloned organism.
Ques: What are the causes of fragmentation?
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Ans: Fragmentation can be caused by naturally or acts of God like floods, fires or volcano eruptions. But the main reason today is man-made. As human activity increases the influence of fragmentation also increases.
Ques: Is starfish example of fragmentation or regeneration?
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Ans: Starfish is basically example of fragmentation. The body structure of starfish is five arms and if one arm is severed then they can regenerate a new starfish. Thus, they have asexual reproduction. In fragmentation, there is generally a noticeable difference between the two individuals. It refers to formation of new organism but the size can differ.
Ques: Why regeneration cannot be done in multi-cellular organisms?
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Ans: The reason regeneration cannot be done in complex multi-cellular organisms is that they cannot give rise to new organisms. Regeneration cannot be done with specialized cell because they make up the organs in the body. They can only regenerate a few of their lost body parts like skin, blood etc but cannot form a whole new organism.
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