Asexual and Sexual Reproduction

Question 1

What happens when cells reproduce asexually?

Answer 1

• They divide by mitosis.

- This results in two diploid daughter cells, which are genetically identical to each other and to the parent cell.

Question 2

What happens when cells reproduce sexually?

Answer 2

• They divide by meiosis.
• This results in the production of genetically different haploid gametes, which fuse to form a diploid cell at fertilisation.

Question 3

What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

Answer 3

1) Asexual reproduction can produce lots of offspring very quickly because the reproductive cycle is so fast. This allows organisms to colonise a new area rapidly.
2) Only one parent is needed - the organisms can reproduce whenever conditions are favourable without a mate.

Question 4

What is the reproductive cycle?

Answer 4

The time it takes to produce independent offspring.

Question 5

What are the disadvantages of asexual reproduction?

Answer 5

1) There’s no genetic variation between offspring in the population - if the environment changes and the conditions become unfavourable, the whole population may be affected.

Question 6

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 6

1) It creates genetic variation within the population, which means different individuals have different characteristics - this means that if the environment changes, it’s more likely that at least some individuals will have the characteristics to survive.

Question 7

What are the disadvantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 7

1) It takes more time and energy than asexual reproduction, so organisms produce fewer offspring in their lifetime.
2) Two parents are needed for sexual reproduction. This can be a problem if individuals are isolated.