Bio Sexual & Asexual Reproduction

define asexual reproduction

the production of genetically identical offspring from a parent without the fusion of gametes

define sexual reproduction

the production of genetically dissimilar offspring from the fusion of 2 gametes from 2 parents, forming a zygote

what are the advantages of asexual reproduction (consider identical offspring, speed, no. of parents)

• only 1 parent required

• fusion of gametes not required

• all beneficial qualities of the parent passed on to offspring

• relatively quicker process

what are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction (consider identical offspring)

species may not be well-adapted to changes in environment due to lack of genetic variation; making it susceptible to being wiped out due to these changes

what are the advantages of sexual reproduction (consider dissimilar offspring)

• offspring may inherit beneficial qualities from both parents

• increased genetic diversity, enhancing adaptability to environmental changes

what are the disadvantages of sexual reproduction (consider no. of parents, speed of process)

• 2 parents required

• fusion of gametes required

• relatively slower process

define mitosis cell division

a process that gives rise to genetically identical cells in which the chromosome number is maintained

define meiosis cell division

a process (or reduction division) that gives rise to genetically dissimilar cells in which the chromosome number is halved (due to the separation of homologous chromosomes)

*homologous = similar in shape, size and sequence of genes

what is the process of mitosis in asexual reproduction

1. consider a parent cell containing 4 chromosomes

2. the parent cell divides to produce 2 genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell

where does mitosis occur

• asexual reproduction

• production of new cells for the growth of multicellular organisms

• replacement of dead or damaged cells in the repair of damaged tissues

what is the process of meiosis? what happens after?

1. consider a cell containing 2 chromosome pairs, which each pair containing homologous chromosomes, 1 from the male and 1 from the female parent

2. the parent cell divides to produce 4 genetically dissimilar daughter cells (haploids)

3. the haploid of 1 parent fuses with the haploid of the other parent [after]

what are haploid and diploid cells in reproduction

haploid cell = the gamete, a cell with 1 set of chromosomes

diploid cell = the zygote, a cell with 2 sets of chromosomes