Asexual reproduction
Asexual reproduction
The The basic unit of genetic material inherited from our parents. A gene is a section of DNA which controls part of a cell's chemistry - particularly protein production. that an organism possesses determine its features. Organisms inherit half of their genetic information (DNA) from their mother and half from their father, this ensures variation within the offspring.
Organisms reproduce to pass on their genes and create new members of their species. If the organisms of a species all fail to reproduce then the species may become extinct.
Reproduction that does not involve sex cells. reproduction does not involve sex cells or The joining of a male and female gamete.. Only one parent is required, unlike sexual The production of offspring by a sexual or asexual process. which needs two parents. Since there is only one parent, there is no fusion of Sex cell (sperm in males and ova/eggs in females). and no mixing of genetic information. As a result, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent and to each other. They are An organism that is genetically identical to another organism..
Bacteria reproduce asexually.
Plants
Asexual reproduction in plants can take a number of forms. Many plants develop underground food storage organs that later develop into the following year's plants. Potatos and daffodils are both examples of plants which do this.
A daffodil bulb at the beginning and end of the growing season, with a lateral bud where the new plant will grow.
Some plants such as the spider plant, Chlorophytum, produce side branches with plantlets on them. Other plants like strawberries, produce runners with plantlets on them.
Animals
Asexual reproduction in animals does occur in sea anemones and starfish, but it is much less common than sexual reproduction.