In the context of reproduction of species state the main difference between fission and fragmentation. Also give one example of each.
In the context of reproduction of species state the main difference between fission and fragmentation. Also give one example of each.
Official answer
The main differences between fission and fragmentation are as follows:
| Feature | Fission | Fragmentation |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Organism | Occurs in unicellular (single-celled) organisms. | Occurs in multicellular organisms with relatively simple body organisation. |
| Process | The single parent cell divides or splits into two or more equal halves (daughter cells). | The body of the mature organism simply breaks up into smaller pieces (fragments). |
| Development | Each split cell directly forms a new individual. | Each broken fragment grows into a complete new individual. |
| Example | Amoeba (or Leishmania, Plasmodium) | Spirogyra |
Marking scheme
- 1.Stating that fission occurs in unicellular organisms while fragmentation occurs in multicellular organisms with simple body design (1 mark)
- 2.Explaining the process difference (cell division/splitting vs. breaking into pieces upon maturation) (1 mark)
- 3.Providing correct examples for both (e.g., Amoeba for fission, Spirogyra for fragmentation) (1 mark)
Hint
Compare the complexity of the organisms (unicellular vs. multicellular) and how the body divides (cell division vs. breaking into physical pieces upon maturation).
Quick oral answer
Fission occurs in single-celled organisms like Amoeba where the cell splits into two. Fragmentation occurs in simple multicellular organisms like Spirogyra where the body breaks into pieces upon maturation, and each piece grows into a new individual.
Common mistakes
- 1.Giving a multicellular example for fission or a unicellular example for fragmentation.
- 2.Confusing fragmentation with regeneration.
Analysis and explanation
Fission is a method of asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms where cell division directly leads to the creation of new individuals (e.g., binary fission in Amoeba or multiple fission in Plasmodium). On the other hand, fragmentation occurs in multicellular organisms with simple body designs (like the filamentous alga Spirogyra), where the organism simply breaks into smaller pieces upon maturation, and each piece grows into a new individual. Complex multicellular organisms cannot undergo fragmentation because their cells are organized into specialized tissues and organs placed at definite positions.
Interesting facts
Spirogyra is a green alga made of long filaments that can easily break into fragments, each of which continues to grow through cell division, making it a highly efficient way to multiply in ponds.
Question details
Q12 of 36 questions
- Board
- CBSE
- Class
- Class 10
- Subject
- Science
- Year
- 2016
- Section
- Section A
- Marks
- 3
- Type
- Short Answer
- Chapter
- How do Organisms Reproduce?
- Topic
- Fission and Fragmentation
- Bloom's level
- Analyzing
- Syllabus topic
- Asexual reproduction: Fission, Fragmentation
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Frequently asked questions
How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2016?
This question carries 3 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 examination.
Which chapter does this question come from in Science?
This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.
What topic does this question cover in Science?
This question covers the topic "Fission and Fragmentation" from CBSE Class 10 Science.
What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper?
This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2016 paper.