DIVERSITY: 1.5 - sexual vs. asexual

Reproduction in prokaryotes

The process by which single-celled prokaryotes produce offspring

All living things reproduce

Principle that reproduction is a universal trait of living organisms

Sexual reproduction (two parents)

Offspring are genetically unique, combining genes from two parents

Asexual reproduction (one parent)

Offspring are genetically identical to parent and each other

Pros of sexual reproduction

Produces genetic diversity (variation) = greater resilience

Cons of sexual reproduction

Takes time and energy to find mate and favorable conditions

Pros of asexual reproduction

Faster and easier; requires less time and energy

Cons of asexual reproduction

Produces less biodiversity (variation) = less resilience

Prokaryote genetics

Most reproduction is asexual via binary fission in bacteria and archaea

Binary fission

An asexual reproduction method where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells

Sexual reproduction in prokaryotes

Sometimes occurs via conjugation, sharing genetic material

Conjugation

A process where bacteria share plasmids, often transferring antibiotic-resistance genes

Plasmid

A small, circular piece of DNA that can be shared between prokaryotes during conjugation

Antibiotic-resistance gene

A gene often transferred via plasmids that helps bacteria resist antibiotics