Scribd
Upload
4 views

repro

Reproduction is the biological process by which new organisms are produced from their parents, essential for the continuity of species. It can be classified into asexual reproduction, which involves a single parent and produces genetically identical offspring, and sexual reproduction, which involves two parents and results in genetically diverse offspring. The significance of reproduction lies in ensuring species survival, promoting genetic variation for evolution, and facilitating growth and repair in multicellular organisms.

Uploaded by

ttformed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
4 views

repro

Reproduction is the biological process by which new organisms are produced from their parents, essential for the continuity of species. It can be classified into asexual reproduction, which involves a single parent and produces genetically identical offspring, and sexual reproduction, which involves two parents and results in genetically diverse offspring. The significance of reproduction lies in ensuring species survival, promoting genetic variation for evolution, and facilitating growth and repair in multicellular organisms.

Uploaded by

ttformed
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as TXT, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

# Reproduction: Notes

## 1. Definition
* Biological process by which new individual organisms ("offspring") are produced
from their "parents".
* Fundamental characteristic of all known life; essential for the continuity of
species.

## 2. Types of Reproduction

### 2.1. Asexual Reproduction


* **Definition:** Reproduction that does not involve the fusion of gametes or
change in the number of chromosomes.
* **Characteristics:**
* Involves a single parent.
* Offspring are genetically identical clones of the parent (except for
mutations).
* No formation or fusion of gametes (sex cells).
* Based on mitotic cell division.
* **Mechanisms/Forms:**
* **Binary Fission:** Parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells
(e.g., bacteria, amoeba).
* **Budding:** New organism grows from an outgrowth or bud due to cell
division at one particular site (e.g., yeast, Hydra).
* **Fragmentation:** Body breaks into fragments, each fragment develops into
a new organism (e.g., Spirogyra, Planaria).
* **Regeneration:** Ability of an organism to grow a lost part (often linked
to fragmentation, e.g., starfish).
* **Spore Formation:** Production of reproductive spores which can develop
into new individuals (e.g., fungi, ferns).
* **Vegetative Propagation:** New plants grow from parts of the parent plant
(roots, stems, leaves) (e.g., potatoes from tubers, roses from cuttings).
* **Parthenogenesis:** Development of an embryo from an unfertilized egg cell
(e.g., some insects, reptiles, birds).
* **Advantages:**
* Rapid population increase.
* Only one parent needed.
* Energy-efficient.
* Favorable traits are guaranteed in offspring in a stable environment.
* **Disadvantages:**
* Lack of genetic diversity.
* Reduced ability to adapt to changing environments.
* Population vulnerable to disease or environmental changes.

### 2.2. Sexual Reproduction


* **Definition:** Reproduction involving the fusion of two specialized cells
(gametes), typically from two parents.
* **Characteristics:**
* Usually involves two parents (male and female).
* Offspring are genetically diverse, inheriting traits from both parents.
* Involves the formation and fusion of gametes (sperm and egg).
* Based on meiotic cell division to produce haploid gametes, followed by
fertilization to restore the diploid number.
* **Mechanisms:**
* **Meiosis:** Cell division process that reduces the number of chromosomes
by half, producing haploid gametes. Introduces genetic variation through crossing
over and independent assortment.
* **Gamete Formation (Gametogenesis):** Production of sperm (spermatogenesis)
and egg (oogenesis).
* **Fertilization:** Fusion of male and female gametes to form a diploid
zygote. Can be internal or external.
* **Development:** Zygote undergoes mitotic divisions and differentiation to
develop into a new organism.
* **Advantages:**
* Genetic variation among offspring.
* Increased adaptability to changing environments.
* Facilitates evolution through natural selection.
* **Disadvantages:**
* Slower process.
* Requires two parents (finding a mate).
* Energy-intensive (gamete production, mating rituals, parental care).

## 3. Significance of Reproduction
* **Continuity of Life:** Ensures the survival and continuation of species across
generations.
* **Genetic Variation (Sexual):** Provides the raw material for evolution and
adaptation to changing environments.
* **Evolution:** Allows for natural selection to act on varied traits, leading to
the evolution of new species over time.
* **Repair/Growth (Cellular level, related to mitosis):** Although not
reproduction of a *whole* organism, cell division (mitosis) is essential for
growth, repair, and maintenance in multicellular organisms, underpinning their
ability to reproduce eventually.

## 4. Key Terms
* **Gamete:** Haploid sex cell (sperm or egg).
* **Zygote:** Diploid cell formed by the fusion of two gametes.
* **Haploid (n):** Having a single set of chromosomes (e.g., gametes).
* **Diploid (2n):** Having two sets of chromosomes (e.g., somatic cells, zygote).
* **Fertilization:** Fusion of gametes.
* **Meiosis:** Cell division producing haploid gametes.
* **Mitosis:** Cell division producing identical diploid cells (involved in
growth and asexual reproduction).

You might also like