Chapter 22, Problem 1LTB

Summary Introduction

To describe:

The difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.

Introduction:

The reproduction can be defined as the process of producing identical offspring. The reproduction can be either sexual or asexual. The sexual mode of reproduction involves two individuals (male and female) and asexual reproduction involves a single individual.

Explanation of Solution

The key differences between asexual and sexual reproduction is given below:

Asexual	Sexual
It occurs in simpler and primitive organisms.	It occurs in complex organisms.
It is uniparental.	It is generally bi-parental.
No gametes are formed occurs. Cells are never haploid.	The haploid gametes are required.
As gametes are not present, gametogenesis is also not required.	The gametogenesis is required to produce haploid cells.
Fertilization/ fusion of the gametes is absent.	Fertilization/ fusion of the gametes is present.
Occurs by mitotic cell division.	Involves meiotic cell division.
The daughter organisms are genetically identical to parent (clones).	The daughter organisms are not genetically identical to parent.
The multiplication occurs rapidly.	The multiplication cannot occur rapidly. As gamete formation and fusion takes time.
No genetic variation is found, hence, no evolution.	The genetic variations are found, hence, contribute to species evolution.

Conclusion

The asexual reproduction is uniparental mode of reproduction, in which organism are produced by mitotic division and are genetically identical to the parents.

The sexual mode of reproduction requires two parents of opposite sex to produce the genetically different offspring.