What Is Asexual Reproduction Of Algae

What Is Asexual Reproduction Of Algae

So Many small Algae Reproduce Asexually By Ordinary Cell Division Or By Fragmentation.

(a) Zoospores 

This is the most common method of asexual reproduction. Zoospores are uni-, bi, quadri- or multiflagellate asexual spores. The cell in which zoospores are formed is known as zoosporangium. Each zoosporangium may produce either one (e.g., Oedogonium) or many (e.g., Ulothrix) zoOspores.

(b) Aplanospores. 

These are non-motile spores and could be called zoospores arrested in their development. During their development, the units of protoplasm of the sporangium get enveloped by a new cell membrane just before zoospores could develop flagella; e.g., Ulothrix.

(c) Hypnospores. 

This is a type of aplanospore with a very thick wall. This permits the spore to remain dormant for a long time under unfavourable conditions; e.g., Vaucheria, etc.

(d) Palmella stage. 

It is a structure consisting of a large mucilage in which many non-motile cells are embedded. Palmella stage develops as a result of repeated divisions of the cells and concurrent dissolution of parent cell wall forming mucilage, e.g., Chlamydomonas, Ulothrix, ctc.

(e) Autospores. 

These are formed due to the division of the contents of the parent cell into many segments, each of them resembling the parent cell. Each autospore is surrounded by a distinct cell wall; e.g., Chlorella, etc.

(f) Akinete. 

These are non-motile spores with a very thick wall which remains fused with the wall of the parent cell. It contains a large amount of food material. In blue-green algae reserves (Cyanophyceae), akinetes are the major organs of reproduction. These are principal perennating structures and besides members of blue-green algae like Anabaena, Nostoc, etc. Akinetes are also found in Pithophora and Ulothrix.

(g) Other structures of Algae

Many different types of asexual spores, other than those described above, are found in algae. Some of them are endospores in Dermocarpa, monospores in Porphyra, tetraspores in Polysiphonia, statospores in diatoms, and cysts in Vaucheria.

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