Modes of Reproduction

Definition of Reproduction

Reproduction is the process of producing new organisms

Definition of Asexual Reproduction

it is the process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one parent without the the fusion of gametes

Types of cell division

mitosis - asexual, meiosis - sexual

State that meiosis is used in the formation of gametes

• a type of cell division giving rise to genetically dissimilar cells in which chromosome number is halved due to separation of homologous chromosomes

• a cell divides to produce 4 genetically dissimilar daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as parent cell

• hence meiosis is a reduction division which is needed in the formation of gametes

Definition of mitosis (asexual)

• mitosis is a type of cell division giving rise to genetically similar cells which chromosome number is maintained

• a cell divides to produce 23 genetically similar daughter cells with the same number and same type of chromosomes as the parent cell

the importance of mitosis in growth, repair and asexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction to occur, Occurs in multicellular organisms, Ensures renewal of damaged tissues and to replace dead or damaged cells

Define a haploid cell

Haploid cells has 1 set of chromosomes (for humans n=23) , value of n depends on the species

Definition of diploid cell

Has 2 sets of chromosome in the nucleus

Define sexual reproduction

it is the process involving the fusion of nuclei of male and female gametes to form a zygote and the production of genetically dissimilar offspring

define the terms haploid and diploid

haploid cell is a cell with 1 set of chromosomes. gametes are haploid. Diploid cell is a cell with 2 set of chromosomes, 1 from the male parent gamete and the other from the female parent gamete. All non-sex cells are diploid.

Advantages of sexual reproduction

child inherits beneficial qualities from both parents, and there will be more genetic variation in offsprings leading to better survival of offsprings to changes in environment

Disadvantages of sexual reproduction

2 parents are required in animals and plants with only unisexual flowers , fusion of 2 gametes is required, and the process is slower than asexual reproduction