Cellular Reproduction
Asexual Reproduction
 This is a type of
reproduction where only
one parent is involved.
 100% of the genetic
material from the one
parent is passed on.
 There is no variation in
the gene pool for the
new offspring.
 Bacteria primarily
reproduce asexually.
Sexual Reproduction
 This type of reproduction
requires two parents.
 50% of the genetic material
is passed on from each
parent
 There is a fair amount of
genetic variation because
new genes are integrated
each generation.
 Most multi-cellular
organisms reproduce
sexually.
Examples of Asexual Reproduction
 Binary fission is asexual;
the organism splits directly
into two equal-sized
offspring, each with a copy
of the parent's genetic
material.
 Binary fission is the usual
type of reproduction in
prokaryotes, the more
familiar of which are
known as bacteria.
Examples of Asexual Reproduction
 Budding is the formation
of a new organism by the
protrusion of part of
another organism.
 This is very common in
plants and fungi, and even
an animal Hydra.
 The picture to the right is
yeast budding. It’s almost
like it’s growing out of the
side of the yeast.
Hydra Budding
 Hydra is considered an
animal and here it is
budding.
 Notice the protrusion
sticking out of the right
side of the Hydra.
Examples of Asexual Reproduction
 Sporogenesis or
Sporulation is when plants
asexually produce small
tiny spores on their outside
leaves.
 These growths will usually
detach from the organism
and grow on another
medium such as the
ground.
 Some Fungi also
sometimes undergo this
process.
Examples of Asexual Reproduction
 Vegetative reproduction
is a type of asexual
reproduction for plants,
and is also called
vegetative propagation
or vegetative
multiplication. It is a
process by which new
plant "individuals" arise or
are obtained without
production of seeds or
spores.
Examples of Asexual Reproduction
 Fragmentation is a type of
asexual reproduction
where each fragment
develops into a mature,
fully grown individual.
 This new individual is a
clone of the original
organism.
 If the organism is split any
further the process is
repeated.
 Sea Stars, Fungi, and some
Worms do this.
Advantages of Asexual
Reproduction
 Only one parent is
required. This is good
because it takes time and
energy to find a mate.
This can also be quite
dangerous!
 If you have good genes it
is great because 100% of
them are passed on.
 Very quick reproduction
Disadvantages of Asexual
Reproduction
 The main disadvantage
is that there is no genetic
variation. This means
that if there is a genetic
mutation or disease they
are very hard to combat.
 Parents look entirely like
offspring. If humans did
this we would all look
the same. (not much
fun)
The Importance of Genetic
Variation.
 As previously discussed, genetic
variation is important because it
allows individuals within a given
species to adapt to their
environment.
 Remember we are born with
adaptations if don’t naturally have
these differences in our DNA we
can’t obtain them.
 If we are different because of
genetic variation and we are able
to adapt this is known as survival
of the fittest or natural selection.
 Adaptations make organisms
different and if it occurs over a
long enough period of time we can
get new species.
Sexual Reproduction Examples
 Organisms that
reproduce sexually are
animals and some plants.
 Even though plants are
pollinated by bee’s and
other insects this is still
considered sexual
reproduction.
Advantages to Sexual Reproduction
 With sexual reproduction
you have more genetic
variation.
 Both parents are passing
on 50% of their genetic
material so it’s easier to get
rid of genetic mutations
and diseases.
 This produces variation in
the population. That way a
species is more likely to
survive if there are genetic
differences in the
population.
Disadvantages of Sexual
Reproduction
 You have to expend time and




energy to find a mate and in
some cases fight for that
mate.
Think about rams that hit
their heads together they are
usually fighting over mating
rights. (pretty dangerous)
Planet Earth-Show Birds of
Paradise Movie
Only ½ your genes are passed
on this is bad if you had great
genes they can be diluted.
Slow process.
Competition for Mating Rights
 Go home and look up
the video Hippo Beach
it’s pretty cool.
 I couldn’t access it here
at school but you should
be able to watch it at
home.
Mini Movies on Cellular
Reproduction
 Singled Celled
Organisms Mini Movie
 Floral Arrangements
Mini Movie
 The Red Queen Mini
Movie