The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

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Recommended: Compare and contrast between mitosis and meiosis

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

In order to avoid extinction species must reproduce and pass their

genes on to the next generation, thus ensuring the survival of the

population. For reproduction to occur cell division is necessary and

this can be divided into two categories according to the behaviour of

the chromosomes, they are known as mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is

when the daughter cells finish up containing exactly the same number

of chromosomes as the parent cell, typically two of each type, known

as the diploid state. Mitosis takes place when an organism grows or

reproduces asexually. Meiosis is when each daughter cell ends up with

exactly half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell, one of each

type, which is known as the haploid state. Meiosis is associated with

sexual reproduction and generally takes place in the formation of

gametes or in some cases' spores.

Asexual reproduction is the process of one individual organism

producing one or more new individuals. It does not involve the

combination of genetic material from two different individuals and

therefore the new individuals are clones of the parent organism.

Mutation is the only variation that occurs in asexual reproduction,

unless mutation occurs all the members of clones share the same

genetic constitution. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of

gametes, this is known as fertilisation. The genetic material from

two different individuals is mixed and combined to produce an

individual that is genetically different from either parent. All

individuals, unless they are identical twins are genetically unique,

thi...

... middle of paper ...

... fails. To illustrate the pros and cons of both types of

reproduction I would use the aphid as an example. They use asexual

reproduction to give birth to wingless females which are born

pregnant, they in turn give birth to winged females who can fly away

and colonise new plants. As the days grow shorter towards the end of

the summer aphids of both sexes are born who then reproduce sexually,

laying their eggs which survive the winter to start the whole process

again. We only have to go into our gardens in the summer to see how

successful this process is as every garden will have at least some

aphids present.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

CELL BIOLOGY & GENETICS

Adds John, Larkham Erica, Miller Ruth.

BIOLOGY PRINCIPLES AND PROCESSES

Roberts michael, Reiss Michael, Monger Grace.

THE STUDY OF BIOLOGY 4TH EDITION

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