Science (086) — AI-generated practice question

Fragmentation occurs when a multicellular organism (with simple body organisation) simply breaks into pieces upon maturation, and each piece grows into a new individual. It does not require specialised cells. Example: Spirogyra breaks into fragments, each growing into a new organism.

Regeneration occurs when a fully differentiated organism is cut or broken, and specialised cells proliferate to form a mass of cells, which then undergo organised development to form a complete individual. Example: Planaria, when cut into pieces, regenerates into complete organisms.

Key difference: Fragmentation is a natural breakage process in simply organised organisms; regeneration involves specialised cells and organised development in more differentiated organisms.

Source: Chapter 7, Sections 7.2.2 and 7.2.3

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• Examiners expect students to clearly distinguish the mechanism — fragmentation is passive breaking + regrowth; regeneration requires specialised cells and organised development.
• One example for each process is mandatory (Spirogyra for fragmentation, Planaria/Hydra for regeneration).
• Avoid saying regeneration IS reproduction — the textbook explicitly states it is not the same as reproduction.
• Roughly 1 mark each: definition of fragmentation, definition of regeneration, and the key distinguishing point (specialised cells / organised development).