Let me share with you a difference between gemmules and buds.
| Aspect | Gemmules | Buds |
| 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
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· Freshwater sponges
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· Hydra (a freshwater cnidarian)
· yeast (a fungus) · Plants like potatoes (via tuber buds) |