Sexual & Asexual reproduction

• How do bacteria reproduce?

  Asexually
• Why are offspring from sexual reproduction genetically different?

  They contain a mixture of their parents' genes
• What process produces gametes?

  Meiosis
• How do eukaryotic organisms reproduce asexually?

  Through mitosis
• How do bacteria reproduce asexually?

  By binary fission
• What is involved in sexual reproduction?

  Fusion of two gametes like sperm and egg
• What is the result of asexual reproduction?

  Genetically identical offspring or clones
• What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

  • Only one parent needed
  • Very quick process - as they don't need to find a mate
  • Many identical offspring can be produced when conditions are favourable
  • Rapid colonisation of new areas
• What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?

  • Lack of genetic variation
  • Susceptibility to diseases
  • Reduced adaptability to new conditions
• What is the main benefit of sexual reproduction?

  It leads to genetic variation within the population
• How does genetic variation affect a population's survival?

  It reduces the risk of population wipeout by giving a survival advantage by natural selection
• What is the main disadvantage of sexual reproduction?

  It takes more time and energy
• How do plants reproduce sexually?

  Pollination occurs causing the pollen (found in anther) and egg cells (found in ovary) of a plant to meet and fuse in fertilisation.
• Which organisms can reproduce through both sexual and asexual reproduction?

  Malarial parasites reproduce asexually in the human host but sexually in mosquitos

  Many fungi reproduce asexually by spores but also reproduce sexually to give variations

  Many plants produce seeds sexually, but also reproduce asexually by bulb division such as daffodils