Answer – Fragmentation is defined as a process of asexual reproduction where a fragment from the parent organism forms a new individual. Multicellular organisms with simple structures and body organization (sponges, spirogyra, and fungi) reproduce this way.
Explanation:
Fragmentation is a form of asexual reproduction that’s seen in cyanobacteria, animals, plants, and fungi. The process involves the splitting of the parent organism into numerous fragments, with each of those fragments growing to become new individuals. This method results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent organism. Each fragment arising from the parent goes through numerous stages of development before finally growing into an individual organism identical to its parent in shape and size. Fragmentation can occur both as a process of asexual reproduction and also due to injuries arising from changes in the environment. If a worm capable of fragmentation gets cut into two pieces due to an accident, the fragments of the worm will continue to grow before eventually becoming fully grown worms.
One of the most common organisms to use fragmentation as a mode of reproduction is spirogyra. Following are the stages:
The parent filament breaks into several fragments called vegetative filaments.
Each vegetative filament begins growing through elongation and cell division.
The resulting filaments eventually form a mature filament capable of reproducing again.
Fragmentation can also occur due to the dissolution of the middle lamella present in the fragments. This may be the result of mechanical damage or environmental changes.
