What is the critical difference between gemmulation and fragmentation?

a. Gemmulation is sexual and fragmentation is asexual

b. Gemmulation is haploid and fragmentation is diploid If sponges fragment, it is called gemmulation

c. Fragmentation involves providing a resistant layer of cells for a capsule; gemmulation is merely breaking off chunks of tissue to grow a new organism

d. Gemmulation involves providing a resistant layer of cells for a capsule; fragmentation is merely breaking off chunks of tissue to grow a new organism

Answer: Option D

Explanation:

The gemmulation can be defined as the aggregation of the cells mostly archeocytes when reserve food granules are isolated in a surface of sponge and it is surrounded a protective covering.

The Fragmentation can be defined as a process by which the asexual reproduction in the multi cellular organism takes place. The fragments of the organism takes place and each fragment grows to form a new individual whose genetic combination is same like its parent.

Hence, the correct option is D

d. Gemmulation involves providing a resistant layer of cells for a capsule; fragmentation is merely breaking off chunks of tissue to grow a new organism

Explanation:

Gemmulation and fragmentation are both a type of asexual reproduction. Gemmulation starts when mass of cell which is produced asexually that are capable of producing a new organism.

These mass of cells gets surrounded by a protective covering which provide a resistant layer of cell and the structure is called gemmule.

In fragmentation, the parent body part breaks from the whole body and gives rise to a new organism. For example in planaria. So the correct answer is d.