16.1

Asexual reproduction

10 flashcards to master Asexual reproduction

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Definition Flip

Define asexual reproduction.

Answer Flip

Asexual reproduction is a process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from a single parent.

Example: Strawberry plants reproduce asexually via runners.
Key Concept Flip

What is the genetic relationship between offspring produced through asexual reproduction and their parent?

Answer Flip

The offspring are genetically identical to the parent. This is because asexual reproduction involves mitosis only, where the chromosome number is conserved.

Example: Bacteria dividing by binary fission produce clones.
Key Concept Flip

Name three methods of asexual reproduction in plants.

Answer Flip

Examples include: runners (

Example: strawberries), tubers (. potatoes), and bulbs (. onions). These all involve vegetative propagation from a part of the parent plant.
Key Concept Flip

Describe an advantage of asexual reproduction in the wild, for a population of a species.

Answer Flip

Rapid population growth in favorable conditions is a key advantage. If the environment is stable and suited to the species, all offspring are well-suited, leading to quick colonization.

Example: Bacteria multiply very quickly when the conditions are optimal.
Key Concept Flip

Describe a disadvantage of asexual reproduction in the wild, for a population of a species.

Answer Flip

Lack of genetic variation is a major disadvantage. If environmental conditions change or a new disease arises, the entire population may be vulnerable.

Example: If a fungus attacks a field of cloned banana plants, the entire crop could be wiped out.
Key Concept Flip

What is a potential advantage of using asexual reproduction in crop production?

Answer Flip

Uniformity of the crop is a major advantage for commercial purposes. Asexual reproduction ensures all plants have the same desired traits (size, yield, resistance).

Example: Farmers can reproduce potato plants asexually via tubers, ensuring a consistent size and starch content.
Key Concept Flip

What is a potential disadvantage of using asexual reproduction in crop production?

Answer Flip

The entire crop can be susceptible to a single disease. With no genetic variation, if a pathogen evolves to overcome the plant's defenses, the whole crop could be lost.

Example: A wheat crop bred for high yield but asexually propagated would be vulnerable to a new strain of rust fungus.
Key Concept Flip

Identify binary fission as a method of asexual reproduction.

Answer Flip

Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction in which a cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

Example: Bacteria reproduce by binary fission.
Key Concept Flip

Explain why offspring produced asexually are clones.

Answer Flip

Asexual reproduction involves mitosis only, preserving the parent cell's genetic makeup exactly. Therefore, each offspring receives an identical copy of the parent's DNA.

Example: All the daughter cells produced during mitosis of a bacterial cell are genetically identical clones.
Definition Flip

What is vegetative propagation?

Answer Flip

Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where new individuals arise from parts of the parent plant (e.g., stems, roots, leaves).

Example: A new plant growing from a stem cutting.

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15.1 Drugs 16.2 Sexual reproduction

Key Questions: Asexual reproduction

Define asexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction is a process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from a single parent.

Example: Strawberry plants reproduce asexually via runners.
What is vegetative propagation?

Vegetative propagation is a form of asexual reproduction in plants where new individuals arise from parts of the parent plant (e.g., stems, roots, leaves).

Example: A new plant growing from a stem cutting.

About Asexual reproduction (16.1)

These 10 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Asexual reproduction for your Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.

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