3 Common Methods of Reproduction Found in Algae

The 3 Common Methods of Reproduction Found in Algae are mentioned below:

There are three common methods of reproduction found in algae – (i) vegetative, (ii) asexual, and (iii) sexual. In addition to these methods, several perennating bodies also develop which face the adverse conditions.

1. Vegetative reproduction:

This may be of several types.

(i) By cell division:

The mother cells divide and the daughter cells are produced, which become new plants. This is exclusive type of reproduction in Pleurococcus, some desmids, diatoms, Euglena, etc.

(ii) Fragmentation:

The plant body breaks into several parts or fragments and each such fragment develops into an individual. This type of vegetative reproduction is commonly met within filamentous forms, e.g., Ulothrix, Spirogyra, etc. The fragmentation of colonies also takes place in several blue green algae, e.g., Aphanocapsa, Aphanothece, Nostoc, etc.

(iii) Hormogone formation:

When the trichomes break in small pieces of two or more cells, such pieces are called ‘hormogones’. Each hormogone develops into a new plant, e.g., Oscillatoria, Nostoc, etc.

(iv) Hormospores or hormocysts:

They are thick-walled hormogones, and produced in somewhat drier conditions.