Asexual Reproduction
Definition of Asexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction occurs when offspring is produced with only one parent. As a result, the offspring is genetically identical to, or a clone of the parent. In plants, this is called vegetative propagation, and can occur in several different forms.
Fragmentation
This type of asexual reproduction is very fast. In greenhouses, this process is also known as cutting, and a part of the stem is broken off and placed in soil or water forming a clone. Although this is mostly done by humans in greenhouses, this occurs in nature when parts of plants fall off. These parts implant themselves in the soil and form new plants. For example, in liverwort plants, leaves or stems are broken off by animals or the wind and grow into clones after landing in the soil.
Asexual reproduction occurs when offspring is produced with only one parent. As a result, the offspring is genetically identical to, or a clone of the parent. In plants, this is called vegetative propagation, and can occur in several different forms.
Fragmentation
This type of asexual reproduction is very fast. In greenhouses, this process is also known as cutting, and a part of the stem is broken off and placed in soil or water forming a clone. Although this is mostly done by humans in greenhouses, this occurs in nature when parts of plants fall off. These parts implant themselves in the soil and form new plants. For example, in liverwort plants, leaves or stems are broken off by animals or the wind and grow into clones after landing in the soil.
Budding
One main types of vegetative propagation is budding, or when a whole new plant can grow from a bud that grew on a parent plant. An example of this is when a tree bearing many types of fruit can be grown by grafting on buds from different species of fruit trees.
Rhizomes and Stolons
Another important type of plant asexual reproduction is when plants utilize rhizomes and stolons. Rhizomes are plant stems that develop horizontally underground, and then grow up vertically to create new plants. An example of this is irises, which can spread through rhizomes. Stolons are plant stems that develop horizontally above ground, and can send down roots. An example of a plant that uses stolons is strawberry plants, which have runners, which are a form of stolons.
Another important type of plant asexual reproduction is when plants utilize rhizomes and stolons. Rhizomes are plant stems that develop horizontally underground, and then grow up vertically to create new plants. An example of this is irises, which can spread through rhizomes. Stolons are plant stems that develop horizontally above ground, and can send down roots. An example of a plant that uses stolons is strawberry plants, which have runners, which are a form of stolons.
Bulbs and Tubers
Bulbs and tubers carry out asexual reproduction in similar ways. Bulbs are underground, fleshy buds that store food. Leaves can grow from this bud, and develop into a new plant. An example of this are onions. Tubers are fleshy underground stems, from which new stems and plants can grow out of. Potatoes are an example of tubers-- over time, new plants will grow out of the eyes of the potato.
Bulbs and tubers carry out asexual reproduction in similar ways. Bulbs are underground, fleshy buds that store food. Leaves can grow from this bud, and develop into a new plant. An example of this are onions. Tubers are fleshy underground stems, from which new stems and plants can grow out of. Potatoes are an example of tubers-- over time, new plants will grow out of the eyes of the potato.