12 Questions
What is the primary characteristic that defines asexual reproduction?
Production of offspring by a single parent
What is the result of binary fission in terms of genetic identity?
Daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell
What is the significance of the term 'fission' in the context of asexual reproduction?
It means to divide
What is the primary difference between asexual reproduction and other modes of reproduction?
Absence of gamete fusion
What is the characteristic that enables organisms to multiply rapidly through asexual reproduction?
Rapid cell division
What is the potential exception to the genetic similarity of offspring in asexual reproduction?
Rare mutations
What is the primary difference between binary fission and budding in terms of the development of a new organism?
In binary fission, the entire cell divides into two equal daughter cells, whereas in budding, a new organism develops from a small part of the parent's body.
What is the purpose of the sporangium in asexual reproduction?
The sporangium is a sac-like structure that contains spores, which are released when conditions are favorable, allowing the spores to germinate and develop into new organisms.
Why is simple cell-by-cell division not possible in multicellular organisms?
Multicellular organisms have a complex body design with higher levels of organization, such as tissues, organs, and organ systems, making simple cell-by-cell division insufficient for reproduction.
What is the role of regenerative cells in Hydra's reproduction through budding?
Regenerative cells in Hydra undergo repeated cell division at one specific location, leading to the formation of a bud that eventually develops into a new organism.
What is the similarity between yeast and Hydra in terms of their reproductive strategies?
Both yeast and Hydra reproduce through budding, where a new organism develops from a small part of the parent's body.
What is the adaptive advantage of spore formation in unfavorable environments?
Spore formation allows organisms to survive unfavorable conditions by forming a protective coat around the spore, which can then germinate when conditions are favorable again.
Study Notes
Asexual Reproduction
- A mode of reproduction where a new offspring is produced by a single parent
- Offspring are genetically and physically identical to each other, i.e., clones of their parents
- Observed in both multicellular and unicellular organisms
- No gamete fusion or change in chromosome number
Characteristics of Asexual Reproduction
- Single parent involved
- No fertilization or gamete formation
- Process occurs in a short time
- Organisms multiply and grow rapidly
- Offspring is genetically similar to the parent
Types of Asexual Reproduction
Binary Fission
- Parent cell divides into two cells, each with a nucleus genetically identical to the parent
- Amoeba and euglena exhibit binary fission
- Process involves replication of DNA, growth of the cell, segregation of DNA, and splitting of cells
- Prokaryotes (e.g., E. coli, Archaea) and eukaryotes (e.g., euglena) reproduce through binary fission
Budding
- New organism develops from a small part of the parent's body
- Bud detaches to develop into a new organism
- Hydra uses regenerative cells for budding
- Bacteria, yeast, corals, flatworms, jellyfish, and sea anemones reproduce through budding
- In yeast, a bud arises as an outgrowth of the parent body, and the nucleus separates into two parts, one shifting into the bud
Spore Formation
- Organism develops sac-like structures called sporangium containing spores during unfavorable conditions
- Spores are released when conditions are favorable and germinate to rise to new organisms
- Fungus like bread mould reproduces asexually by spore formation
- Spores are small spherical bodies with a thick protective coat that protects them from unfavorable conditions
Asexual reproduction is a mode of reproduction in which a new offspring is produced by a single parent. This process does not involve gamete fusion and the new individuals are genetically and physically identical to each other.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
