B10 - Reproduction Flashcards
Asexual reproduction
Asexual reproduction does not involve sex cells or fertilisation as only one parent is needed
* defined as a process resulting in genetically identical offspring from one parent
Asexual reproduction in bacteria
Through binary fission:
* Cell contents double so genetic material has replicated
* Cell divides into two by binary fission
* Creating two genetically identical daughter cells
Asexual reproduction in plants (bulbs and tubers)
Through budding
* A short-stemmed bulb which stores the plant’s food can induce budding
* This produces a new plant, a lateral bud which will grow and become genetically identical to the parent plant
Through tubing
* A tuber forms from swollen, fleshy underground stems
* Buds are formed from them
* Seen in potatoes
Asexual reproduction in plants (runners)
- Plants can grow side shoots called runners that contain tiny plantlets on them
- These will grow roots and develop into separate plants which are geneticall identical to the parent
Advantages of asexual reproduction (name 3)
- Population can be increased rapidly when conditions are right
- Can exploit suitable environments quickly
- More time and energy efficient
- Reproduction is completed much faster than sexual reproduction
Disadvantages of asexual reproduction (3)
- Limited genetic variation in population
- Population is vulnerable to changes in conditions and may only be suited for one habitat
- Disease is likely to affect the whole population as there is not genetic variation
Sexual reproduction
A process involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes (sex cells) to form a zygote (fertilised egg cell) and the production of offspring that are genetically different from each other
Fertilisation
The fusion of gamete nuclei
* resulting in genetic variation in the offspring
Gamete
A sex cell (in animals: sperm and ovum; in plants pollen nucleus and ovum)
Haploid nucleus
Have half the number of chromosomes found in other body cells
* such as gametes: 23 chromosomes
* only contain one copy from each pair of chromosomes
Diploid nucleus
The result of fusion between two haploid nuclei
* such as a zygote
* contains 46 chromosomes all in pairs
Zygote
When the male and female gametes fuse, they become a zygote which is a fertilised egg cell
Advantages of sexual reproduction (3)
- Increases genetic variation
- Species can adapt to new environment due to variation, giving them a survival advantage
- Disease is less likely to affect population
Disadvantages of sexual reproduction (2)
- Takes time and energy to find mates
- Difficult for isolated members of the species to reproduce
Flowers
The reproductive organ of the plant
* usually contain both female and male reproductive parts
Pollen
Produces by plants and contians a haploid nucleus inside that is the male gamete
* they are not capable of locomotion (moving from one place to another
Pollination
The mechanism to transfer pollen from the anther to the stigma
* can be done by insects or by the wind
Flower structure
Sepal
Protect unopened flower
Petals
Brightly coloured in insect-pollinated flowers to attract insects
Anther
Produces and releases the male sex cell (pollen grain)
Stigma
Top of the female part of the flower which collects pollen grains
Ovary
Produces the female sex cell (ovum)
Ovule
Contains the female sex cells (found inside the ovary)
Petals in an insect pollinated flower
Large and brightly coloured to attract insects
Scent and nectar in an insect pollinated flower
Present - entices insects to visit the flower and push past stamen to get to the nectar
Number of pollen grains in an insect pollinated flower
Moderate - insects transfer pollen grains efficiently with a high chance of successful pollination
Size and shape of pollen grains in an insect pollinated flower
Larger, sticky and spiky to attach to insects and be carried away
Anthers in an insect pollinated flower
Inside flower, stiff and firmly attached to brush against insects
Stigma in an insect pollinated flower
Inside flower, sticky so pollen grains stick to it when an insect brushes past