Question

Select the total number from the following organism that multiply by budding. Hydra, Sponges, yeast, earthworm, Planaria, honey bee (a) 2 (b) 3 (c) 4 (d) 5

Short answer

The total number from the given organisms that reproduce by budding is 2, and those are Hydra and yeast. Hence, option (a) is correct.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Reproduction by Budding

Budding is a type of asexual reproduction where a new individual develops from an outgrowth, or a bud, due to cell division at one particular site. The small bulb-like projection coming out from the yeast cell is called a bud. This bud gradually grows and separates from the parent organism to form a new yeast organism.

Classification of the Organisms

Classify each of the species presented (Hydra, Sponges, yeast, earthworm, Planaria, honey bee) based on their reproduction method. Earthworms reproduce sexually and does not use budding. Planaria reproduce both by regeneration and sexually, but not through budding. Honey bees reproduce sexually and thus, does not use budding.

Identify Organisms Reproducing by Budding

Hydra and Yeast reproduce through budding. Sponges do not reproduce by budding, but by fragmentation and gemmules. Thus, based on the descriptions and classifications, only 2 organisms from the list (Hydra, yeast) reproduce by budding.

Key concepts

Budding

Budding is a fascinating form of asexual reproduction utilized by some organisms to create new life. In this process, a new organism, also termed as a bud, forms on the parent due to repeated cell division at a particular site.
This bud becomes a smaller version of the parent and eventually separates, forming an independent organism.
Unlike other forms of reproduction, budding does not require a partner and can rapidly produce new individuals.

• It typically involves mitosis, ensuring the offspring is genetically identical to the parent.
• Common examples of organisms that utilize budding include yeast and hydra.
• This method allows organisms to quickly proliferate, especially in stable environments where conditions do not drastically change.

Reproduction Methods

Reproduction is crucial for the survival and continuity of species. Broadly, reproduction methods can be classified into two types: asexual and sexual.

Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and produces offspring genetically identical to the parent.
One key advantage of this method is its efficiency in time and energy. Examples include budding, fragmentation, and binary fission.

• Budding, as discussed earlier, involves new organisms forming from an outgrowth of the parent.
• Fragmentation involves an organism splitting into pieces, each of which can grow into a new organism.
• Binary fission is when a single organism divides into two separate entities equally.

Sexual reproduction, on the other hand, involves the combination of genetic material from two parents.
This method produces genetically diverse offspring, which is advantageous in changing environments. While slower, it provides evolutionary benefits by enhancing genetic variability.

Hydra

The Hydra is a captivating example of a simple multicellular organism that reproduces primarily through budding.
Residing in freshwater habitats, hydras have a tubular body structure, ideal for their form of asexual reproduction.
Despite their simplicity, hydras exhibit fascinating features that make them a subject of interest to scientists.

• They lack a central nervous system, yet can perform complex reactions to stimuli.
• The budding process in hydras starts with a small bulge that develops on the parent body.
• As the bud grows, it eventually breaks away, forming a miniature replica of the parent.

The ability of hydras to asexually reproduce allows them to thrive abundantly in their environments, but they also have the capability to reproduce sexually under certain conditions, adding an interesting dual aspect to their reproductive strategy.

Yeast

Yeast, a common example of fungi, utilizes budding as its primary method of reproduction.
This unicellular organism is incredibly versatile due to its simple reproductive strategy and has significant economic and scientific importance.
In the budding process, a small bud emerges on the parent cell, where genetic material is duplicated and distributed into the bud.

• As the bud enlarges, it eventually detaches, becoming an independent yeast cell.
• This method is efficient, allowing rapid cell production, especially beneficial in industries such as baking and brewing.
• Yeast cells can also switch to sexual reproduction under certain conditions, similar to hydras.

Yeast's dual reproductive capabilities make them highly adaptable to various environmental conditions, enhancing their ability to survive and proliferate.