Internal Budding-Gemmule Formation

Internal Budding –Asexual Reproduction in Spongilla (Fresh water sponge)

Key terms-

Totipotent cells-Cells capable to divide

Budding-Methods of asexual reproduction through bud projection.

Endogenous bud-Bud develops inside the body.

Gemmule-Internal bud

Archaeocytes-Totipotent cell present inside gemmule.

Spongilla-Sponge kingdom Animalia & Phylum Porifera.

Budding is also known as endogenous budding and it’s a method of asexual reproduction in freshwater sponge i.e. Spongilla.

How internal budding is taking place?

This is a method of perennation and to pass unfavorable conditions. This is an effective way of dispersal of sponges.

During unfavorable conditions totipotent cells of Spongilla form internal bud which are called gemmule.

Structure of Gemmule-

It consists of outer membrane, inner membrane and Archaeocytes (totipotent cells) which are capable of cell division. Totipotent cells are surrounded by an internal membrane and opaque outer membrane. Outer membrane is having spicules-fiber like structures.

Inside the inner membrane totipotent cells are present and they are called Archaeocytes.They will come out upon favorable condition through a pore called micropyle and produce new spongilla.

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