Fragmentation: What is, examples and how this form of asexual reproduction works

Fragmentation in biology is an asexual reproduction process in which an organism is divided into smaller parts called fragments, each capable of developing in a new individual. This mechanism occurs in both unicellular and multicellular organizations and is usually associated with asexual reproduction, although it can also occur in sexual contexts. It is frequent in bacteria, fungi, plants and animals, such as sea sponges, platelets and sea stars. The fragments generated are genetically identical to the parent, which favors a rapid colonization of habitats, although it can reduce long -term genetic diversity.

Learn more about asexual reproduction: what is, types and examples here.

Fragmentation as asexual reproduction works by rupture of the parent agency in various parts or fragments, each with the ability to develop until it becomes a completely mature and identical individual to the original.

In this process, the body is divided naturally or accidentally into smaller portions that, after completing its growth cycle, reach full maturity.

This reproductive strategy is highly efficient, since it allows the rapid multiplication of individuals from a single parent, without the need for gametes or fertilization.

Fragmentation in animals

What animal is capable of reproducing without mating? This process is common in corals, both hard and soft corals, where species such as Montipora, Acropora, Polypora, Euphylly and Caulatrea can be divided and originating complete colonies. It also occurs in sponges, marine anemones, sea stars, planaries, anélidos and plalmintos. For example, in sea anemones, longitudinal fission is observed, in which the body is divided into two, and basal laceration, where small fragments of the base form new organisms.

Fragmentation in plants and fungi

In plants, it is observed in the dispersion of rhizomes and stolons, as in ferns and shrubs, or by cladoptosis in Sauces, where fallen branches root and form new plants. Others, such as Kalachoe daigremontiana, produce adventitious seedlings in their leaves, and non -vascular species such as mosses and liver can originate from fragments of stems or leaves transported by wind or water. In fungi, fragmentation occurs when Hifasdel Micelio separates, developing in new individuals. Also in lichens, structures such as sordios and isidia detach and disperse, causing new symbiotic associations.

Fragmentation in algae and bacteria

In filamentous algae, such as Spirogyra, the mother algae is divided into several fragments, each with the capacity to grow independently to form a new individual, thus repeating the life cycle. In bacteria, fragmentation occurs by binary fission or through the compartmentalization of the protoplasm, which is fragmented in tiny bacillary or cocoid cells. Examples of this mechanism are observed in filamentous cyanobacteria and in Nocardia, which favors rapid colonization and survival.

• Fragmentation allows rapid reproduction, shortening generational time and increasing the number of descendants in a short time.
• It can be done with a single parent, without the need for mating or production of gametes, which reduces energy expenditure.
• It generates genetically identical organisms, guaranteeing the direct transmission of features favorable to the next generation.
• It favors the colonization of new habitats, producing individuals capable of establishing themselves in different environments.
• Increases the survival of the species, by originating multiple offspring simultaneously.
• It offers adaptability, allowing organisms to quickly fill ecological niches.
• It can occur in various environments and climatic conditions, increasing its biological efficacy.

• Fragmentation generates lack of genetic diversity, which limits the ability to adapt to environmental changes.
• Being uniform offspring, there is a higher risk of diseases and vulnerability to parasites or predators.
• It depends on a healthy parent, since, if it dies or is weakened, no offspring occurs.
• The geographical distribution is limited, since only the fragments of the original organism can be established in new habitats.
• It can transmit hereditary problems and increase the probability of premature extinction.
• It favors overpopulation, which causes the shortage of resources and intense competence between individuals.

• Fragmentation occurs when an organism is broken into two or more parts, and each fragment develops in a new complete individual.
• In binary fission or bipartition, common in bacteria, a cell doubles its DNA and is divided into two identical daughter cells. Here you can read more about bipartition: what is, stages and types.
• Gemination implies the formation of an outbreak in the parent, which grows and separates to become a new organism, as in yeasts or hydras. In this link you have more information about the gemation: what is and examples.
• Partenogenesis produces embryos from unchanged cells, and is observed in some fish, amphibians and reptiles. Learn more about parthenogenesis: what is and examples here.

Unlike sexual reproduction, these processes are fast, require a single parent and generate identical offspring, without genetic variability.

Now that you know better what fragmentation in asexual reproduction is, we encourage you to see our video about the asexual playback of plants.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-j9ydoaohm

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