Difference Between Fragmentation and Regeneration

Fragmentation and Regeneration are two different processes that organisms undergo to reproduce (asexually) or grow some body parts when there has been damage.

This article is going to discuss what really fragmentation and regeneration processes are. And what is the difference between fragmentation and regeneration.

What is Fragmentation?

Fragmentation is a process of asexual reproduction, where the organism breaks off from itself to grow as a separate individual organism. 

It can also be referred to as splitting an organism into fragments, and each fragment grows into a separate individual organism.

Fragmentation of Hydra - The fragmented hydra will grow as an individual organism.
Fragmentation of Hydra – The fragmented hydra will grow as an individual organism. (Source)

What is Regeneration?

Regeneration is a process where the organism is capable of regrowing certain parts of its body when it loses them due to injury or other reasons. There are specialized stem cells in organisms that are responsible for this growth.

Every species is capable of performing regeneration. Here, regeneration can either be of the complete or the incomplete type.

Regeneration of an Arm in Starfish - The missing arm of the starfish will be regenerated till its central core is connected.
Regeneration of an Arm in Starfish – The missing arm of the starfish will be regenerated till its central core is connected. (Source)

Differences Between Fragmentation and Regeneration

Here’s the comparison table which shows the difference between Fragmentation and Regeneration.

Sr.No.Fragmentation Regeneration
1.Organism splits into fragments, and each of these fragments develops into individual organisms.Organism regrows a lost part of the body like  & a lost limb.
2. Each fragment forms into a new organism.No new organism is formed.
3.Fragmentation can only happen in few organisms.All organisms are exhibit regeneration, complete or incomplete.
4.This is an asexual process.This is a form of growing back lost organs or body parts.
5.Example: sea anemones, sponges, and flatworms.Example: The tail of a lizard & limbs of an octopus.

FAQs

What is Fragmentation?

Fragmentation is a process of asexual reproduction, where the organism breaks off from itself to grow as a separate individual organism.

What is Regeneration?

Regeneration is a process where the organism is capable of regrowing certain parts of its body when it loses them due to injury or other reasons.

What is complete and incomplete regeneration?

In incomplete regeneration, the body can repair only specific damaged cells of the body. In contrast, the organism can develop severed body parts or the whole body from a fragment in complete regeneration.

Is fragmentation a sexual process?

No, Fragmentation is an asexual process.

More on Comparison Topics:

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top