Reproduction: The Continuity

of Life

-Asexual and Sexual

Reproduction

What are the different modes of reproduction? How can we use this knowledge in growing plants?

All living things die eventually. So in order to continue their own kind, organisms must reproduce. Organisms reproduce in different ways. Asexual Reproduction Sexual Reproduction

MODES OF REPRODUCTION

The activity that you have performed shows how potatoes are propagated vegetatively. From a single potato, several new potato plants can be produced.

is a kind of asexual reproduction where a new individual, known as the offspring, is produced from a single parent. The offspring resulting from asexual reproduction is genetically identical with its parent.

Vegetative Reproduction

Aside from buds, many economically important plants can be grown through the propagation of roots, stems, and even leaves. The kalanchoe, a medicinal plant, can reproduce through its leaves. Plantlets can grow around the leaf margin.

Plantlets grow around the leaf margins of the KalanchPlantlets grow around the leaf margins of the Kalanchoe

Do you know other examples of plants that can be propagated through vegetative reproduction?

Some plants that can be propagated vegetatively are kamote (sweet potato), cassava, ginger, pineapple, and some ornamental plants.

Vegetative propagation results in growing plants faster than growing plants from seeds. Vegetative reproduction also ensures that the offspring will be very much like the parent plant.

Why do we use vegetative propagation to grow plants?