Sexual reproduction

• Sexual reproduction is the process involving the fusion of 2 games to form a zygote
• Gametes are sex cells that have half of the normal chromosome number (haploid)
• Sexual reproduction results in the production of offspring that is genetically different from the parents
• Male and female gamete fuse together to form a new cell with normal chromosome number (diploid)
• Advantages of sexual reproduction:

  1. more likely to withstand disease
  2. More adaptable to a changing environment
  3. In plants, seed dispersal reduces competition for nutrients
• Disadvantages of sexual reproduction:

  1. requires the fusion of 2 gametes
  2. takes time and energy