Sexual Reproduction Overview

Asexual reproduction

Single organism reproduces itself (clone).

No exchange of genetic material

Sexual Reproduction

Two parents contribute genetic material to create an offspring that is genetically unique.

Sexual or Asexual: Fission

Asexual

Sexual or Asexual: Budding

Asexual

Sexual or Asexual: Fragmentation with regeneration

Asexual

Sexual or Asexual: Hermaphrodite

Sexual

Sexual or Asexual: External Fertilization

Sexual

Sexual or Asexual: Internal Fertilization

Sexual

Fission

An organism splits into two and each part becomes a new organism (clone). Mitosis is used to repair the damaged potions.

Budding

A bud forms on the parent body, gets bigger(mitosis) , and eventually breaks off to become a new organism (genetic clone). Ex. Hydra

Fragmentation with Regeneration

If the parent body breaks into pieces, each piece can grow (by mitosis) into a new organism (genetic clone). Ex, Sea star

Parthenogenesis

Where female produces an egg that develops into an embryo without being fertilized by a male. Usually happens when a female cant find a mate. Ex. some lizards

Hermaphrodite

An organism that has both male and female reproductive organs (egg+sperm). Can fertilize themselves but more beneficial if they mate with others for genetic diversity.

External Fertilization

Fertilization occurs outside the body (typically limited to water). Ex. Fish release sperm into water near eggs

Internal Fertilization - Copulalation

Delivery of sperm in or near female reproductive parts. Requires copulatory organ

Insemination

The process of sperm entering the female reproductive system so that it can meet the egg and possibly start fertilization.

Fertilization

Egg and sperm combine to make a diploid cell

Hormone

Are chemical messengers released by a cell or gland in one part of the body that sends a message that affects cells in other part of the body

Hypothalmic Pituitary Gonadal axis

Interaction between Hypothalamus (2 regions of brain), Pituitary Gland and Gonads (reproductive organs) 

Pituitary gland - Follicle Stimulating Hormone

Tells the ovaries to grow and mature an egg inside a follicle or helps start the menstrual cycle.

Tells the testes to make sperm.

Pituitary gland - Luteinizing Hormone

Causes ovulation — the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Helps the ovary make hormones like estrogen and progesterone.

Tells the testes to make testosterone