Asexual and Sexual Reproduction Notes

Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Asexual Reproduction (Cloning)

• One parent cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.
• Both daughter cells have an equal number of chromosomes to the parent cell.
• Daughter cells also have the same genetic and physical traits as the parent cell.
• The cells are diploid, meaning they have a complete set of chromosomes.

Sexual Reproduction

• A haploid sperm (male sex cell) fertilizes/fuses with a haploid egg (female sex cell) to produce a diploid zygote.
• Haploid means having half the number of chromosomes compared to a diploid cell.
• The offspring is not genetically identical to the parents.

Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis

• A diploid cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells.
• In essence, a cell duplicates or clones itself.
• The chromosome number remains the same.

Meiosis

• A diploid cell divides to make four genetically different haploid sex cells.
• Sperms or eggs are the products of meiosis.
• Gametes (sex cells) are produced.

Asexual Reproduction (Consequences)

Advantages

• It is a fast process because mates or sex cells are not required.
• Requires less energy compared to sexual reproduction.
• Organisms are well-suited for the local environment.

Disadvantages

• Limited genetic diversity among offspring.
• Harmful mutations, such as those causing diseases, can be inherited.
• Slows down the process of evolution.

Sexual Reproduction (Consequences)

Advantages

• Offspring can inherit resistance to diseases.
• Increased genetic variation within a population.
• Improves the chances of evolution and natural selection.

Disadvantages

• Energy-consuming process because sex cells have to be made.
• Time-consuming or slow compared to asexual reproduction.
• There's a chance that favorable features are not passed on to offspring.