Asexual Reproduction

Flashcards reviewing asexual reproduction methods, including conjugation, budding, vegetative reproduction, fragmentation, parthenogenesis and alternation of generations. Includes key terms and definitions from the lecture.

Conjugation

A type of asexual reproduction where bacteria transmit genetic knowledge to each other, making them more resilient.

Antibiotic Resistance

Bacteria can develop resistance to antibiotics through conjugation, especially when antibiotic courses are not completed.

Vector

Anything that can transmit a disease or genetic information.

Budding

A type of asexual reproduction where a mini version of the parent grows out of the original body and stays attached for a period.

Vegetative Reproduction

A form of asexual reproduction where a new plant grows from a root or shoot of the parent plant, genetically identical to the original.

Tubers

Underground storage stems, like potatoes, that can grow into new plants.

Suckers

Offshoots that grow out from the parent plant, emerging from the ground to produce above-ground growth.

Runners

Above-ground offshoots that move along the surface, setting down roots and forming new plants away from the parent.

Scarification

The process where seeds require passage through a bird's digestive system to scar the surface and promote germination.

Fragmentation

A form of asexual reproduction where a section of the parent organism is separated and develops into a new, complete organism.

Totipotent Cells

Unspecialized cells that can differentiate and develop into an entire new organism, enabling fragmentation, budding, and vegetative reproduction.

Parthenogenesis

An asexual process where an unfertilized egg develops into an adult organism.

Alternation of Generation

The alternation between a diploid (sporophyte) and a haploid (gametophyte) form in the life cycle of plants and some algae.

Spores

Haploid, unicellular structures produced by plants and fungi that can disperse and develop into new organisms.

Sporophyte

The diploid (2n) generation in plants that produces haploid spores through meiosis.

Gametophyte

The haploid (n) generation in plants that produces gametes (sex cells) through mitosis.