Do algae reproduce sexually or asexually?

Expert Solution

Algae are a large group of simple plant-like organisms, which reproduce by both sexually and asexually. Reproduction in algae can be vegetative, asexual, or sexual. Vegetative reproduction occurs through fragmentation, asexual reproduction occurs by the formation of spores and binary fission, whereas sexual reproduction takes place by fusion of two haploid gametes.

In asexual reproduction, the genetic material of the parent cell doesn't combine with that from another cell. The simplest method of reproduction is asexual binary fission, in which a cell divides into two, either at the equator or along its length. This reproduction takes place when algae fragment into pieces, or when special cells bud off from a colony to form new individuals.

In sexual reproduction, two individuals each contribute one set of chromosomes, which join to form offspring with two sets of chromosomes having traits from both parents. The simplest algal sexual method is conjugation. It occurs when two individuals fuse and distribute genetic material and then separate. In most multicellular species of algae, individuals produce special sex cells, known as gametes, which contain only one set of chromosomes. The gametes from two individuals fuse sexually and develop directly into offspring.

gladiator answered 1 year ago

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