Genetics and Reproduction

Question 1

_______ is used in sexual reproduction.

Answer 1

Meiosis

Question 2

What does meiosis result in?

Answer 2

This results in the formation of four genetically non-identical daughter cells.

Question 3

______ is used in asexual reproduction.

Answer 3

Mitosis

Question 4

What does mitosis result in?

Answer 4

This results in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells.

Question 5

What is sexual reproduction?

Answer 5

The process of reproduction where the nuclei of two gametes (sex cells) fuse to form a zygote (a process known as fertilisation), producing offspring that are genetically different different to one another.

Question 6

What are the four key features of sexual reproduction?

Answer 6

• Offspring are non-identical
• Two parents
• Male and female gametes fuse (Sperm and egg cells are the gametes in animals. Pollen and ovum cells contain the gametes in flowering plants)
• Cells divide by meiosis

Question 7

What is asexual reproduction?

Answer 7

The process of reproduction that forms genetically identical offspring from only one parent.

Asexual reproduction is common in single-celled organisms and some plants.

Question 8

What are the four key features of asexual reproduction?

Answer 8

• No gamete fusion
• Offspring are clones
• Only one parent
• Cells divide by mitosis
  (The two sets of chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell. Then, the nucleus divides into two.)

Question 9

Division of cells by meiosis in reproductive organs produces gametes with ____ the number of chromosomes found in all other body cells.

Answer 9

half

Question 10

What are the advantages of sexual reproduction?

Answer 10

• Humans can speed up artificial selection through selective breeding of plants and animals.
  ^This process has many benefits, including boosting food production and breeding fast horses.
• Variation in the offspring increases the chances of a population being able to survive environmental change by natural selection.
  ^This is because some individuals are likely to be adapted to the new conditions.

Question 11

What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?

Answer 11

• Asexual reproduction is faster than sexual reproduction.
• Lots of identical offspring: if conditions are favourable, producing lots of identical offspring is positive.
• No mate is required. Therefore, asexual reproduction is more efficient with regards to time and energy.

Question 12

What are the 4 genetically different gametes produced during sexual reproduction called?

Answer 12

Haploid cells