Asexual Reproduction (CIE IGCSE Biology)

• Asexual reproduction 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)
• Asexual reproduction is defined as a process resulting in genetically identical offspring from one parent

Bacteria produce exact genetic copies of themselves in a type of asexual reproduction called binary fission:

Bacteria produce exact genetic copies of themselves in a type of asexual reproduction called binary fission

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:

Some plants develop underground food storage organs that will develop into next years plants - they can take different forms, such as bulbs or tubers

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:

Some plants grow side shoots called runners that contain tiny plantlets on them. These will grow roots and develop into separate plants.

• Specifically in crop plants, asexual reproduction can be advantageous as it means that a plant that has good characteristics (high yield, disease-resistant, hardy) can be made to reproduce asexually and the entire crop will show the same characteristics