I/GCSE Biology - Different types of reproduction

In I/GCSE Biology, it is important to remember the the difference of sexual and asexual 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)

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

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

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Drafted by Alyssa (Biology)

References:

1. "fertilization", https://rajusbiology.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Human-Reproduction-Notes.jpg
2. "Meiosis", https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/o61AbNIH0uLpPRNs3w4vs5gSOhxnugmrf4yJvC4m_I1OQSSuGU7xaQ9QoOg82ht9iz9YOHgDPKtEuRsyo5qXSaNQHTnz98ldZfl3N9OokVqNFYQB_wdY3vKj1GxMStNbFrBKpJB7
3. "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
4. "Asexual reproduction in plants", https://cdn.slidesharecdn.com/ss_thumbnails/asexualreproductioninplants-190413103040-thumbnail-4.jpg?cb=1602010160