Asexual Reproduction is a mode of reproduction that involves the production of offspring from a single parent without the involvement of gametes or fertilisation.
Table of Contents
What is Multiple Fission?
Multiple Fission is a form of Asexual Reproduction that is commonly observed in some Unicellular Organisms such as Plasmodium, algae, some protozoans and true slime moulds. This process involves the repeated division of the nucleus of a single parent cell to generate numerous daughter cells,each of which is encased in its own membrane. The dimensions of all the daughter cells formed are similar and identical.
Multiple Fission – Definition
Multiple Fission is a type of Asexual Reproduction where many daughter cells are produced from a single parent cell. Instead of producing two daughter cells, the parent cell repeatedly divides its nucleus to generate a large number of nuclei. Each nucleus then absorbs a small amount of cytoplasm and a membrane forms around it, resulting in the creation of identical and similar daughter cells. This process is commonly observed in organisms like Plasmodium.
How does it occur in an organism
- The Multiple Fission process starts when the parent cell forms a cyst during unfavourable conditions.
- The nucleus of the parent cell divides several times inside the cyst, producing a large number of nuclei known as daughter nuclei.
- Each daughter nucleus accumulates a small amount of cytoplasm and each of them is surrounded by a thin membrane.
- As a result, numerous daughter cells are formed within the cyst.
- When favourable conditions come, the cyst ruptures and the daughter cells are released. The daughter cells are all identical and each daughter cell creates a new organism.
- As a result, Multiple Fission produces a large number of offspring.
Multiple Fission examples
Multiple Fission is commonly observed in organisms such as Plasmodium, algae and some protozoans.
Multiple Fission in Amoeba
Amoeba is a Unicellular Organism that reproduces by Multiple Fissions. To survive and reproduce under unfavourable conditions, Amoeba withdraws its pseudopodia and becomes almost round in shape. It secretes a hard covering around its cell called a cyst. The cyst forms a thick protective coating around the cell. Inside the cyst, the nucleus of the Amoeba undergoes repeated divisions to form many nuclei. After nuclear division, cytoplasmic division occurs and many new daughter cells are formed from the parent cell. On the return of favourable conditions, the cyst bursts open to release these daughter cells in the environment.
Also Check – Binary Fission in Amoeba
Multiple Fission Plasmodium (Malarial Parasites)
One of the examples of Multiple Fission in Plasmodium that causes malaria in humans. Plasmodium reproduces by Multiple Fission in the liver and red blood cells of the host. The process starts with the formation of a schizont . Schizont is a multinucleated cell that undergoes repeated nuclear divisions to produce daughter cells called merozoites. The merozoites then invade red blood cells and undergo further multiplication to produce more merozoites. This cycle of invasion, multiplication and release of merozoites from the red blood cells is responsible for the symptoms of malaria.
Multiple Fission is a rapid process that occurs during unfavourable conditions to increase the chances of survival and reproduction of organisms. There is no definite pattern of cell division in Multiple Fission and it is a form of Asexual Reproduction that occurs with the presence of only one parent. All the daughter cells in Multiple Fission are equal-sized and are similar.
Also Check – 15 Important Differences between Unicellular and Multicellular organisms
Frequently asked Questions On Multiple Fission
Question – What is Asexual Reproduction and how does it differ from sexual reproduction?
Answer – Asexual Reproduction is a mode of reproduction that involves the production of offspring from a single parent without the involvement of gametes or fertilisation. In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the fusion of gametes from two parents to form offspring with genetic traits from both parents.
Question – What is Multiple Fission and which organisms commonly reproduce through this process?
Also Check – Difference between Binary Fission and Multiple Fission
Answer – Multiple Fission is a form of Asexual Reproduction that is commonly observed in some Unicellular Organisms such as Plasmodium, algae, some protozoans and true slime moulds.
Question – How does Multiple Fission occur in an organism and what happens during the process?
Answer – The Multiple Fission process starts when the parent cell forms a cyst during unfavourable conditions. The nucleus of the parent cell divides several times inside the cyst, producing a large number of nuclei known as daughter nuclei. Each daughter nucleus accumulates a small amount of cytoplasm and each of them is surrounded by a thin membrane. As a result, numerous daughter cells are formed within the cyst. When favourable conditions come, the cyst ruptures and the daughter cells are released. The daughter cells are all identical and each daughter cell creates a new organism.
Question – What is the purpose of Multiple Fission and why do some organisms use it as a mode of reproduction?
Answer – Multiple Fission is a rapid process that occurs during unfavourable conditions to increase the chances of survival and reproduction of organisms. It allows for the production of a large number of offspring from a single parent, ensuring the continuation of the species.
Question – How does Multiple Fission differ from binary fission, another form of Asexual Reproduction?
Answer – Binary fission involves the division of a single cell into two identical daughter cells, whereas Multiple Fission involves the repeated division of the nucleus of a single parent cell to generate numerous daughter cells.
Question – What are some advantages and disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction through Multiple Fission?
Answer – One advantage of Asexual Reproduction through Multiple Fission is that it allows for the rapid production of a large number of offspring, ensuring the continuation of the species in unfavourable conditions. However, a disadvantage is that it does not allow for genetic diversity. It can limit the adaptability of the species in changing environments.
Question – How does Multiple Fission contribute to the spread of diseases such as malaria?
Answer – Multiple Fission in Plasmodium, the organism responsible for malaria, allows for the rapid production of a large number of merozoites that can invade red blood cells and cause the symptoms of malaria. The release of merozoites from infected red blood cells can also lead to the spread of the disease.
Question – Can Multiple Fission occur in multicellular organisms or is it restricted to Unicellular Organisms?
Answer – Multiple Fission is generally restricted to Unicellular Organisms as it involves the division of a single cell into multiple daughter cells.
Question – How might the study of Multiple Fission in organisms like Plasmodium contribute to the development of new treatments for diseases caused by similar organisms?
Answer – The study of Multiple Fission in organisms like Plasmodium could contribute to the development of new treatments for diseases caused by similar organisms by helping scientists to better understand the mechanisms of the disease and how it spreads. By understanding how Plasmodium reproduces through Multiple Fission and invades red blood cells, researchers could develop new drugs or vaccines that target specific stages of the organism’s life cycle. Additionally, studying Multiple Fission could help researchers identify new drug targets or pathways that could be exploited to treat other diseases caused by similar organisms.
One Comment on “Multiple Fission – Definition, How does it occur ,Examples”