Reproduction

Question 1

Fertilisation

Answer 1

The sperm fuses with the egg and the nuclei/genetic information combines. Gametes are haploid/ have 23 chromosomes. The cell made is diploid/ has 23 pairs of chromosomes. A zygote will form.

Sperm either carries an X or Y chromosome, egg cells only carry an X chromosome. XX results in female, XY results in male.

Question 2

Sexual reproduction advantages

Answer 2

-genetic variation in offspring, allowing some organisms in a species to survive selection pressure
-allows for evolution

Question 3

Sexual reproduction disadvantages

Answer 3

-requires a mate to be found
-time for fertilisation/ pollination means the process takes longer
-offspring can have features that are less advantageous

Question 4

Asexual reproduction advantages

Answer 4

-no requirement to find a mate
-rapid productive cycle
-organisms with beneficial characteristics of the parent can be produced

Question 5

Asexual reproduction disadvantages

Answer 5

-there is no variation
-a selection pressure could affect all organisms of a species