Sexual Reproduction

Fertilization

The process where the male and female gametes come together and their nuclei fuse.

Internal Fertilization

Fertilization that occurs inside the female's body.

External Fertilization

Fertilization that occurs outside the female's body, as seen in fish.

Pollen Grain

The male gamete in plants that reaches the ovule (female gamete) during fertilization.

Zygote

The cell formed by the fusion of male and female gamete nuclei, containing a complete set of chromosomes.

Haploid Gametes

Gametes that contain half the number of chromosomes of a normal body cell; in humans, they have 23 chromosomes.

Diploid Zygote

A zygote formed by the fusion of haploid gamete nuclei, resulting in a full set of chromosomes (46 in humans).

Genetic Variation

The diversity in genetic combinations produced through sexual reproduction, important for species survival.

Advantages of Sexual Reproduction

Includes genetic variation, adaptation to environmental changes, and improved survival of species.

Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction

Includes being energy and time-consuming, slower reproduction rate, and risk of harmful genetic combinations.

Genetic Diversity in Crops

Result of sexual reproduction leading to new varieties with beneficial traits.

Long-Term Sustainability

Crops produced through sexual reproduction may be more resilient to environmental changes.

Dependence on Pollinators

Many crops rely on external pollinators, and their absence can negatively impact crop production.