EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -An asexually produced mass of cells, which are capable of developing into a new organism or into an adult freshwater sponge, is termed a Gemmule. They are small bud-like cells, which are formed by sponges to withstand unfavourable environmental conditions. A freshwater sponge reproduces both sexually and asexually.

Detailed explanation-2: -reproductive function These so-called “gemmules” are expelled from the adult sponge and, in some marine species, serve as a normal reproductive process or, sometimes, as a means to carry the sponges over periods of unfavourable conditions when the adults degenerate; e.g., drought, temperature extremes.

Detailed explanation-3: -By means of external budding or gemmules, asexual reproduction in sponges takes place. A gemmule is an internal bud of the freshwater sponge Spongilla.

Detailed explanation-4: -Abstract. A few marine sponges and many freshwater species asexually develop small, dormant, reproductive, seed-like structures called gemmules which are bordered by a complex collagenous capsule, the gemmule coat (1).

Detailed explanation-5: -asexual reproduction in sponges best known method is called gemmulation. Gemmulation begins when aggregates of cells, mostly archaeocytes, which, when they become laden with reserve food granules become isolated at the surface of a sponge and surrounded by a protective covering.