Reproduction

Reproduction

The biological processes by which new individual organisms are produced from their parents.

Asexual Reproduction

The simplest way to reproduce, involving the production of identical offspring from one parent, resulting in clones.

Mitosis

A process of cell duplication resulting in two genetically identical cells.

Binary Fission

A method of asexual reproduction where one cell splits into two equal cells, common in bacteria.

Budding

A form of asexual reproduction where outgrowths from a parent develop into new individuals.

Fragmentation

A type of asexual reproduction where an organism breaks into parts, each regenerating to form a new individual.

Spore Formation

The production of spores that can develop into a new organism without fertilization.

Vegetative Propagation

A form of asexual reproduction in plants where specialized tissues grow into new plants.

Parthenogenesis

A form of asexual reproduction where an egg develops without fertilization, effectively a 'virgin birth'.

Genetic Variation

The differences in DNA among individuals in a population, significant for survival and adaptability.

Sexual Reproduction

Involves the fusion of gametes from two parents, resulting in offspring with mixed parental genes.

Diploid

A cell with two sets of chromosomes, typical for somatic cells (e.g., humans have 46 chromosomes).

Haploid

A cell with one set of chromosomes, typical for gametes (e.g., humans have 23 chromosomes).

Meiosis

A type of cell division in reproductive organs that reduces chromosome number by half to form gametes.

Fertilisation

The fusion of two haploid gametes (sperm and ova) to form a diploid zygote.

Internal Fertilisation

Fertilisation that occurs within the female's body, common to most mammals.

External Fertilisation

Fertilisation occurring outside the female's body, typical in aquatic organisms.

Oviparous

Organisms that produce eggs that develop and hatch outside the maternal body.

Viviparous

Organisms that give birth to live young, with development occurring inside the mother.

Ovoviviparous

Organisms that produce eggs that hatch within the mother's body, resulting in live birth.

Menstrual Cycle

The monthly cycle where the female reproductive system prepares for potential pregnancy.

Hormones

Chemical messengers produced by glands that regulate physiological processes, including reproduction.

Oestrogen

A primary female hormone responsible for the development of female secondary sex characteristics and regulation of the reproductive cycle.

Progesterone

A hormone that prepares the uterine lining for pregnancy and helps maintain it.

Oxytocin

A hormone that plays a key role in childbirth by stimulating uterine contractions.

Relaxin

A hormone that relaxes the pelvic ligaments and softens the cervix to facilitate childbirth.

FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)

A hormone that stimulates the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone)

A hormone that triggers ovulation and supports the production of progesterone.