Biology Reproduction Methods

Reproduction is the process by which parents produce new individuals, called offspring.
Two main methods of reproduction exist: sexual and asexual reproduction.
Sexual reproduction requires two parents, a male and a female.
Asexual reproduction only needs one parent.
In sexual reproduction, specialized reproductive cells called gametes (sperm and eggs) are produced.
Fertilization occurs when a sperm fertilizes an egg, creating a zygote.
Some species have hermaphrodites, meaning individuals possess both male and female sex organs.
Cells normally reproduce through mitosis, creating two identical cells.
Gametes are formed through meiosis, resulting in four unique cells with half the genetic material of a normal cell.
This half-genetic material ensures that fertilization combines the full genetic information needed for a new individual.
Animals, like mammals, use internal fertilization (inside the body).
Some aquatic animals use external fertilization (outside the body).
Flowers use pollination to reproduce, where pollen is transferred between plants.

Cells reproduce through mitosis to create two identical daughter cells.
Gametes (sperm and eggs) are formed through meiosis; each resulting in four unique cells with half the genetic information.
Meiosis occurs only in reproductive organs.

Males: Produce sperm in the testes, which travel through the sperm duct.
Females: Produce eggs in the ovaries, which travel through oviducts (fallopian tubes).
Fertilization, if successful, happens in the oviduct.

Cloning is a process of creating identical copies of an individual (or plant).
Asexual reproduction, where offspring are genetically identical to the parent, always produces clones.
Cloning can be used in agriculture to produce copies of desired plants for quick and efficient reproduction.
In agriculture, plants are cloned to create genetically identical copies of superior plants.
Cloning is also possible in humans using cells to produce clones that are exact copies of their parent.

Plant tissue culture is a lab-based cloning method for rapid production of genetically identical plants.
A method of cloning plants that is quick and uses a laboratory setup.
Cuttings are a cloning method where a piece of a plant is cut off, rooted, and then grown into a new plant using only the use of gardening tools and basic equipment.

Flowering plants rely on flowers to produce gametes (pollen and ovules) for fertilization.
The change in form and structure of an individual from zygote to adult is termed development; there's internal and external.

Hormones regulate the menstrual cycle and other reproductive processes.
FSH, LH, and estrogen play significant roles in female reproduction (ovulation, support of developing egg).

Puberty is the stage of life when individuals become sexually mature and capable of reproduction.
It involves significant physical changes.
Both males and females experience hormone changes during puberty.
The age of onset for puberty varies significantly.

The embryo in a developing fetus passes through different stages, and develops over 38 weeks from fertilisation.
The embryo gradually develops into a fetus, supported by a growing placenta.
The fetus matures and grows in the uterus until it is ready for birth.

The menstrual cycle involves the preparation and shedding of the uterine lining (endometrium) in a roughly 28-day cycle if the egg is not fertilised and isn't implanted.
Cycle phases may vary and are controlled by hormones.

Embryo to fetus at approximately 9 weeks.
A fetus is a developing baby in the uterus undergoing further growth and development.

Labour is the process of giving birth.
The process begins with uterine contractions that progressively open the cervix (uterine opening).
The baby is expelled through the vagina.

Chemical reactions involve a change in composition of substances resulting in the formation of new products.
Physical changes do not alter the inherent composition of the substance.
Word equation examples; hydrogen + oxygen → water vapour , carbon dioxide + water → oxygen + glucose; and glucose + oxygen → carbon dioxide + water vapour .

Energy comes in different forms (kinetic, potential, light, sound, chemical).
Energy can be transferred or transformed from one form to another.
Energy transformation is a crucial aspect of various biological and physical processes.

Geology is the study of Earth's physical structure and substances.
Scientists use information from earthquakes, meteors, and volcanic eruptions to understand Earth's interior.