Asexual Reproduction and Mitosis

What does asexual reproduction involve?

Mitosis

How can ordinary cell make a new cell and what will the new cell be like + what is this known as?

An ordinary cell can make a new cell by simply dividing in two. Both new cells are genetically identical to the original cell - they both contain exactly the same genetic information. This type of cell division is known as mitosis

What is mitosis used for + examples

Some organisms produce offspring using mitosis. This is known as asexual reproduction. Organisms which reproduce asexually include bacteria and some plants

Describe asexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction involves only one parent. The offspring have identical genes to the parent - so there’s no variation between parent and offspring

Is there any difference between cells produced in mitosis?

No - mitosis produces genetically identical cells

Describe mitosis.

Mitosis is when a cell reproduces itself by splitting to form two cells with identical sets of chromosomes

What happens when a diploid cell divides by mitosis?

You get two cells that are both diploid

What is the first step of mitosis?

1 - Interphase:

If the cell gets a signal to divide, it needs to duplicate its DNA - so there’s one copy for each new cell. The DNA forms X-shaped chromosomes. Each ‘arm’ of the chromosome in an exact duplicate.

(Chromosomes are not usually visable)

What is the second phase of mitosis?

2 - Prophase:

Nuclear membrane breaks down. Chromosomes become coiled.

(Visible)

What is the third phase of mitosis?

3 - Metaphase:

Spindles form, chromosomes line up at equator

What is the fourth phase of mitosis?

4 - Anaphase:

Fibres in spindle shorten, chromosomes move to ‘poles’

What is the fifth phase of mitosis?

5 - Telephase:

Spindle disappears, nucleus appears around chormosomes

What is the sixth phase of mitosis?

6 - Cytokinesis:

Cytoplasm divides into 2 new cells

What else is mitosis used for?

How all plants and animals grow and repair damaged tissue. Cloning also involves mitosis.