important

Question 1

Define sexual reproduction

Answer 1

Sexual reproduction is the production of new organisms by the combination of genetic information of two individuals of different species. In most species, the genetic information is carried on the chromosomes in the nucleus of reproductive cells called gametes. Gametes fuse to form a diploid zygote, which develops into a new individual.

Question 2

Explain the advantages and disadvantages of sexual reproduction

Answer 2

The advantages of sexual reproduction is that it leads to a lot of variation within a species. As a result, the species is able to live in a variety of environmental settings. Sexual reproduction also has the ability to adapt to changes in the environment. The disadvantage is that it needs time and energy and produces a small population.

Question 3

Define asexual reproduction

Answer 3

Asexual reproduction is the production of new organisms from single parent cell by division. Offspring are genetically identical to the parent. No mixing of male and female gametes occurs. It can happen through binary fission, budding, or fragmentation.

Question 4

List the advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction

Answer 4

The disadvantage of asexual reproduction is that it has limited ability to adapt and can encounter mass die-off if the environment changes. Despite the disadvantages, the advantages of asexual reproduction are that it does not require special cells or a lot of energy. It also produces quickly, which leads to creating a large, thriving population in a stable environment.

Question 5

Define allele

Answer 5

An alternative form of a gene, e.g, colour of an eye

Question 6

Define chromosome

Answer 6

Chromosomes are contained in the nucleus that carries instructions for the growth and development of an organism. The chromosomes are made up of long strands of DNA and protein.

Question 7

Define gene

Answer 7

A gene is a section of DNA that codes for a specific characteristic, e.g, the colour of an eye.

Question 8

Define dominant allele

Answer 8

Only requires one copy of the allele to be present of the trait to be expressed

Question 9

Define recessive allele

Answer 9

A type of allele that, when present on its own, won’t affect the individual. It requires two copies to be present for the phenotype to be expressed.

Question 10

Define fertilisation

Answer 10

Fertilisation is defined as the union of two gametes. During fertilisation, sperm and egg cells fuse to form a diploid zygote to initiate prenatal development. The zygote develops to form an embryo.

Question 11

Define zygote

Answer 11

A zygote is the offspring as a result of the union of two gametes. A zygote also has 46 chromosomes, 23 coming from each biological parent.

Question 12

Define DNA

Answer 12

It contains genetic information to enable an organism to manufacture all the proteins it requires to develop and maintain an organism when necessary.

Question 13

Define Mitosis

Answer 13

A process by which a cell replicates its chromosomes, then segregates them, produces identical nuclei in preparation for cell division.

Question 14

Define meiosis

Answer 14

A process that contributes to genetic variety. It doesn’t make body cells; it makes gametes (reproductive cells) It’s also a process where a single parent cell divides twice to produce four cells containing half the original amount of genetic information. These four daughter cells only have half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell; they are haploid.

Question 15

Define mutation

Answer 15

Permanent changes in the DNA sequence

Question 16

Define haploid cell

Answer 16

Haploid refers to the presence of a single set of chromosomes in an organism’s cells.

Question 17

Define diploid cell

Answer 17

Sexually reproducing organisms are diploid (having two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent).

Question 18

Define natural selection

Answer 18

The process by which populations of living things alter and adapt is known as natural selection. Since each member of a group possesses inherent variability, they are all unique from one another. This variance indicates that certain people possess characteristics that are more environment-appropriate than others.

Question 19

why and how is sexual reproduction beneficial to the environment?

Answer 19

In the process of sexual reproduction, two parents combine genetic information to create offspring. Genetic variation is increased by this process, which is essential for the survival of species. This occurs from mutations and natural selection. Mutations have the ability to make permanent changes to the DNA sequence that create new alleles that may be more suitable for a given environment. Natural selection is the process by which the population of living things alters and adapts. Each member of the group is distinct from one another since they are all naturally different. This variation suggests that some individuals have traits that are more suitable for a given environment than others.