Complete revision notes for Topic 16 of the CIE IGCSE Biology course: Reproduction. Explanations with diagrams for every specification point. These notes are written for candidates taking the Extended paper.
Define asexual reproduction as a process resulting in the production of genetically identical
offspring from one parent
Definition: a process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one
parent.
Does not involve sex cells or fertilisation
Only one parent is required so there is no fusion of gametes and no mixing of genetic
information
As a result, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent and to each
other (clones)
Identify examples of asexual reproduction from information provided
Binary fission in bacteria
Bacteria produce exact genetic copies of themselves in a type of asexual reproduction called
binary fission:
Buds/tubers in plants
Plants can reproduce asexually using bulbs and tubers; these are food storage organs from
which budding can occur, producing new plants which are genetically identical to the parent
plant.
,Tubers, such as potatoes, are fleshy underground storage structures composed of enlarged
parts of the stem. A tuber functions in asexual propagation as a result of the buds that grow
on its surface. Each of these buds can form a new plant, genetically identical to the parent.
Bulbs are very similar but have some differences in size, appearance and shape. An example
is onions, which have fleshy leaves that store food and can grow and develop into new
plants through lateral buds.
, Runners in plants
Some plants grow side shoots called runners that contain tiny plantlets on them (a good
example of this are strawberry plants. These will grow roots and develop into separate
plants, again being genetically identical to the parent plant:
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction:
To a population of a species in the wild
To crop production
Advantages:
Population can be increased rapidly when the conditions are optimum
Population can exploit suitable environments quickly
More time and energy efficient
Disadvantages:
Limited genetic variation in population (clones) so vulnerable to…
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