The process by which organisms reproduce is called reproduction. Hydra reproduces in two ways. Asexual reproduction and sexual reproduction. Dr. Siddiq Publications
Asexual reproduction: The reproduction that takes place without the union of sperm and egg is called asexual. Asexual reproduction in hydra is – budding and fission.
1. Budding: Budding is an asexual reproductive process in Hydra. This process does not require male or female hydra to reproduce. So it is a simple method. During summer, the environment has more food. Hydra grows physically by consuming food. Then budding occurs in hydra. The higher the number of buds, the faster the number of hydra will grow.
(i) During summer, hydra grows by taking food from the environment and increases in size. Siddique Publications
(ii) Interstitial cells in the middle or lower part of the body divide rapidly to form a small swollen area.
(iii) The swollen part enlarges into a hollow and cylindrical bud.
(iv) Epidermis, mesoglia and gastrodermis gradually develop in bud.
(v) Cilantron gradually expands from mother hydra to bud.
(vi) The bud grows by receiving nutrients from the mother hydra.
(vii) The bud consists of stomata, hypostome and karshika.
(viii) A circular groove is formed at the junction of mother hydra and bud.
(ix) The furrow gradually deepens to separate the offspring hydra from the mother hydra.
(x) Padatal is formed after the disintegration of Aptya Hydra. It then attaches itself to submerged objects and lives independently.
A hydra can produce several buds simultaneously. New buds can be formed from each bud. At this time the matrihydra seems to be a gregarious animal. It takes about three weeks to hatch and live independently from the mother hydra.
2. Fission
When a hydra’s body splits into two or more segments, a new hydra grows from each segment. This is called regeneration. Hydra is divided in two ways. Longitudinal division and transverse division. Dr. Siddiq Publications
(i) Longitudinal division: When the hydra body is divided longitudinally into two or more segments, a new hydra is formed from each segment.
(ii) Transverse division: When the body of hydra is divided transversely into two or more segments, new hydra originates from each segment.
Hydra Sexual reproduction
The process by which sperm and egg unite to form a zygote is called sex. Sexual reproduction in hydra takes place in two stages. Gametogenesis and fertilization.
1. Gametogenesis: The process by which gametes i.e. sperm and egg are produced is called gametogenesis. It is of two types. Spermatogenesis and oogenesis. Dr. Siddiq Publications
(i) Spermatogenesis: The process by which sperm are produced is called spermatogenesis. Spermatozoa are formed on the upper side of the hydra’s body. The interstitial cells of the testis divide repeatedly in the process of mitosis to form spermatogonia. Each spermatogonia enlarges in size by taking food and develops into spermatocytes. Each spermatocyte divides by meiosis to produce 4 spermatids. Each spermatid is transformed into a sperm in the process of spermiogenesis.
(ii) Oogenesis: The process by which eggs are produced is called oogenesis. Ovaries are formed on the underside of the hydra’s body. Ovarian interstitial cells divide repeatedly in the process of mitosis to form oogonia. Each oogonia grows in size by taking food and turns into an oocyte. Each oocyte divides by meiosis to produce 3 small polar bodies and one oocyte. The oocyte transforms into an egg. Ovum is covered with a slippery coat of gelatin.
2. Fertilization: The union of sperm and egg is called fertilization. The spermatozoa break through the nipple of the spermatic cord and come out and swim in the water in swarms. Within 24-48 hours, the sperm unites with the egg to form a zygote.