Sexual reproduction involves the joining (fusion) of male and female gametes:
sperm and egg cells in animals
pollen and egg cells in flowering plants
In sexual reproduction there is mixing of genetic information which leads to variety in the offspring. The formation of gametes involves meiosis.
Asexual reproduction involves only one parent and no fusion of gametes. There is no mixing of genetic information. This leads to genetically identical offspring (clones). Only mitosis is involved.
