GCSE Biology · Edexcel 1BI0 · Topic 3A
Sexual and asexual reproduction
Key points
- Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (sperm and egg in animals; pollen and egg cell in plants) in fertilisation.
- It gives variation in the offspring, which helps a species survive changes in the environment. However, it needs two parents and more time and energy.
- Asexual reproduction needs only one parent and uses mitosis, so the offspring are genetically identical clones.
- Asexual reproduction is quick and needs no mate, so a population can grow fast in good conditions, but a lack of variation means a disease or change could affect all individuals.
- Examples of asexual reproduction: bacteria dividing by binary fission, strawberry plants sending out runners, potatoes forming tubers.
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Organisms reproduce in two very different ways. This sub-topic compares sexual and asexual reproduction and explains why each strategy suits particular situations.
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