B 10.2 Asexual reproduction Flashcards
(12 cards)
What is asexual reproduction?
Reproduction involving only one parent, producing genetically identical offspring (clones).
Does asexual reproduction involve gametes or fertilisation?
No – it does not involve gametes or fertilisation.
Are the offspring in asexual reproduction genetically different or identical?
Genetically identical (clones of the parent).
How does asexual reproduction affect variation?
There is no genetic variation – all offspring are clones.
What is the main type of cell division in asexual reproduction?
Mitosis.
What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?
Faster, only one parent needed, large numbers of identical offspring produced quickly.
What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?
No genetic variation – all offspring are equally vulnerable to environmental changes or disease.
Name two organisms that can reproduce both sexually and asexually.
Strawberry plants and malarial parasites.
How do strawberry plants reproduce asexually?
By sending out runners that develop into new identical plants.
How do fungi (like moulds) reproduce asexually?
By producing spores that grow into new identical individuals.
How do malarial parasites reproduce asexually?
Inside the human host (e.g., in the liver and red blood cells).
When do some organisms switch from asexual to sexual reproduction?
When conditions change (e.g., to increase variation in a changing environment).
