Asexual vs. Sexual Reproduction
Asexual reproduction
1 parent. The primary form of reproduction for single-celled organisms such as archaea, bacteria, and protists.Some plants and fungi reproduce asexually as well.
Sexual Reproduction
2 parentsResults in increasing genetic diversity of the offspring. Characterized by two processes:
meiosis, halving of the number of chromosomesfertilization, combining two sex cells
Primary method of reproduction for the vast majority of visible organisms, including almost all animals and plants.
Binary Fission
AsexualCell splits and replicated DNA goes with each partProkaryotes, Bacteria+ Fast and easy- Everybody has the same DNA
Bacterial Conjugation
Does not produce offspring, changes parent.A bacteria shoots out a tube and sends a piece of its DNA to another bacteriaBacteria+ Mixes DNA- “Parent” loses a little piece of DNA
Fragmentation/ regeneration
AsexualBody of parent breaks and produces offspringFungi, moss, sea stars, planarian+ Easy- Parent broken, same DNA
Budding
AsexualOffspring grows out of parentYeast, hydras+ Fast, somewhat easy- Same DNA
Pollination
SexualPollen is delivered to female part of plantFlowering plants+ Plants don’t have to move, mixes DNA- Need external source for pollination to take place; wind, bee, bat, butterfly etc.
Pollination
Sexual Reproduction
SexualDNA from 2 individuals merge to form oneAnimals, Plants+ Diverse DNA- Takes a long time, 2 individuals needed