Asexual Reproduction (OCR Gateway GCSE Biology: Combined Science)

• Asexual reproduction does not involve sex cells or fertilisation
• Only one parent is required so there is no fusion of gametes and no mixing of genetic information
• As a result, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent and to each other (clones)
• Asexual reproduction is defined as a process resulting in genetically identical offspring from one parent
• Bacteria and many plants reproduce via asexual reproduction
• Only mitosis is involved in asexual reproduction

Advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction

Advantages & Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction Table

Some examples of asexual reproduction

• Bacteria produce exact genetic copies of themselves in a type of asexual reproduction called binary fission:

Asexual reproduction in bacteria: binary Fission

•  Plants can reproduce asexually using bulbs and tubers; these are food storage organs from which budding can occur, producing new plants which are genetically identical to the parent plant:

Asexual reproduction in plants: Bulbs and tubers

• Some plants grow side shoots called runners that contain tiny plantlets on them (a good example of this are strawberry plants. These will grow roots and develop into separate plants, again being genetically identical to the parent plant:

Asexual reproduction in plants: Runners

• The key differences between sexual and asexual reproduction include:
  • The number of parent organisms
  • How offspring are produced (the type of cell division required)
  • The level of genetic similarity between offspring
  • The possible sources of genetic variation in offspring
  • The number of offspring produced
  • The time taken to produce offspring

Table to compare asexual and sexual reproduction