Asexual Reproduction in Multicellular Organisms > Regeneration

The process in which an organism develops a new individual from its body parts using specialised cells that multiply and differentiate into various tissues is called regeneration.

or

When an organism regrows its lost or damaged body part, or forms a new organism from a body part, it is called regeneration.

Regeneration is the process by which an organism regrows lost or damaged body parts, or in some organisms, develops a complete new individual from a body fragment through cell multiplication and differentiation.

• It involves specialised cells.
• These cells divide repeatedly.
• The newly formed cells differentiate into different tissues.
• The missing part, or sometimes the whole organism, is formed.

Hydra:

• Hydra has a high capacity for regeneration.
• If its body is cut into pieces, each suitable piece can regenerate the missing parts and form a complete organism, provided essential body layers are present.
• This makes regeneration an example of asexual reproduction in Hydra.

Regeneration in Hydra

Planaria:

• Planaria can regenerate damaged or lost body parts.
• If its body breaks into fragments, each fragment can grow into a complete new Planaria.
• This process produces genetically similar individuals, often referred to as clones.

Regeneration in Planaria

Starfish:

• Starfish can regenerate lost body parts.
• In some cases, a body fragment can grow into a complete new starfish.
• This shows strong regenerative ability in lower animals.

Regeneration in Starfish

• Regeneration is the process by which an organism regrows lost or damaged body parts - or forms a complete new individual from a body fragment - using specialised cells that multiply repeatedly and differentiate into various tissues.
• In Hydra and Planaria, a cut body fragment can regenerate the missing parts and grow into a complete organism (genetically similar clones), making it a form of asexual reproduction.
• Starfish also show strong regenerative ability, where a body fragment can, in some cases, grow into a complete new starfish, reflecting the high regenerative capacity of lower animals.