Question

Explain the process of regeneration in Planaria. How is this process different from reproduction?

Answer 1

Regeneration:

The process by which damaged or missing cells, tissues, organs, or even entire body parts can be replaced is known as regeneration.

Reproduction:

The process by which any organism forms its own kind is called reproduction, it can be of asexual or sexual type.

Regeneration in planaria:

1. Planaria is a free-living flatworm that falls under the phylum Platyhelminthes.
2. Stem cells called neoblasts which are distributed throughout the body of planaria are responsible for the regeneration process in planaria.
3. So, when a part of planaria is amputated then these neoblast cells of that region are activated to reform the missing part.

Difference between regeneration and reproduction:

REGENERATION	REPRODUCTION
It can take place from any part of an organism with the help of neoblast cells.	New organisms are formed through cells called gametes.
2. This can be called a type of asexual reproduction.	2. The formation of gametes and their fusion takes place in the Sexual method of reproduction only.
3. For example- cut the tail of a lizard, and it grows back.	3. For example- The fusion of sperm and ova results in zygote formation.