| Introduction |
Gemmules are asexual reproductive structures formed by sponges, often for survival during adverse conditions |
Buds are outgrowths or small projections on the parent organism which are capable of developing into a new individual |
| Formed by |
Formed by some freshwater and marine sponges |
Formed by various organisms, including plants, animals and fungi |
| Structure |
Small, specialized cells encapsulated in a protective coating |
Outgrowths containing differentiated tissues |
| Cell types |
Contains aggregated cells, including archaeocytes (sponge cells with totipotent capabilities) |
Contains differentiated cells, potentially representing various tissues depending on the organism |
| Purpose |
Primarily a survival strategy during unfavorable conditions, such as drought or freezing |
A means of asexual reproduction, allowing for the formation of genetically identical offspring |
| Release mechanism |
Released into the environment when conditions improve |
May remain attached to the parent organism or detach to form an independent individual |
| Development |
Archaeocytes within the gemmule can differentiate into various cell types |
Buds have the potential to differentiate into a complete organism with organs and structures |
| Examples
|
· Freshwater sponges
|
· Hydra (a freshwater cnidarian)
· yeast (a fungus)
· Plants like potatoes (via tuber buds) |
