Question

Explain the major differences between asexual and sexual reproduction. Your answer must include:

Number of parents involved

Type of genetic information passed down

Level of genetic variation

One example organism for each type

Answer 1

Asexual reproduction
- Number of parents involved: One.
- Type of genetic information passed down: Offspring receive a copy of the parent’s genome (produced by mitotic division); they are genetically identical to the parent except for new mutations.
- Level of genetic variation: Low (little or no new genetic variation generated during reproduction).
- Example organism: Escherichia coli (bacterium) reproducing by binary fission.

Sexual reproduction
- Number of parents involved: Typically two.
- Type of genetic information passed down: Offspring inherit a mix of genetic material from both parents via gametes (produced by meiosis), combining alleles from each parent.
- Level of genetic variation: High (recombination, independent assortment, and segregation during meiosis produce new allele combinations).
- Example organism: Homo sapiens (humans), which reproduce by fertilization of egg and sperm.

Brief note: Some organisms can use both strategies (e.g., many plants, fungi, and some animals), switching between asexual and sexual reproduction depending on conditions.