·
In I/GCSE Biology, it is important to remember the the difference of sexual and asexual reproduction !! 💪💪
Sexual reproduction
Do you remember the topic of fertilization in I/GCSE Biology?
- Variation ➡️ result of sexual reproduction
- When gametes formed – receive half of chromosomes in body cell ➡️ half from mum + dad
- Producing gametes ➡️ unlikely 2 gametes contain same variation in genes
- Unlikely 2 offspring from parents are alike – unless twins (because of variation in genes in each gamete and mixing of genes from mum and dad)


Asexual reproduction
In I/GCSE Biology, don't forget to study asexual reproduction as well!
Offspring produced by asexual reproduction
- Produced from division of cells in one parent with no need of fertilisation by sperm cell
- Offspring are clones (genetically identical) + contain same chromosomes as parent
- Happens more quickly than sexual reproduction
- Some plants produce underground stems (runners) – spread quickly to outcompete others in area
- Runner – horizontal stems that some plants produce in order to create new plants by asexual reproduction
- Too hot or too cold areas - form underground storage organs, form a new plant next season
- Storage organs – a special underground organ, such as a potato, in which plants store food over winter
Look at the examples of asexual reproduction below!

Here's the summary of the difference of sexual and asexual reproduction!

Applications of asexual reproduction
It's important to remember the following points in I/GCSE Biology too!
- Artificial clones of plant made copying asexual processes
- Cuttings can be taken – parts of plant cut off (stem or leaf), cuttings grow roots + develop into new plant
- More quicker than sexual reproduction
- More cheaper because quicker

And we're done with this topic! Well Done!

Drafted by Alyssa (Biology)
References:
- "fertilization", https://rajusbiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Human-Reproduction-Notes.jpg
- "Meiosis", https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/o61AbNIH0uLpPRNs3w4vs5gSOhxnugmrf4yJvC4m_I1OQSSuGU7xaQ9QoOg82ht9iz9YOHgDPKtEuRsyo5qXSaNQHTnz98ldZfl3N9OokVqNFYQB_wdY3vKj1GxMStNbFrBKpJB7
- "IGCSE Biology - Sexual and Asexual Reproduction", https://image.slidesharecdn.com/mrexhamigcsesexualandasexualreproduction-140726163036-phpapp01/95/igcse-biology-sexual-and-asexual-reproduction-12-638.jpg?cb=1500396428
- "Asexual reproduction in plants", https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/asexualreproductioninplants-190413103040-thumbnail-4.jpg?cb=1602010160