Definition: Asexual reproduction is a type of reproduction which does not involve the fusion of gametes or change in the number of chromosomes. The offspring that arise by asexual reproduction from a single cell or from a multicellular organism inherit the genes of that parent.
Types:
Budding- A form of asexual reproduction of yeast in which a new cell grows out of the body of a parent.
Vegetative Reproduction- Plants budding which creates a runner hich sends a clone
Strawberries plants
Dandelion
Parthenogenesis- An unfertilized egg develops into an adult (Aphids, honeybees, lizards)
Binary Fission- One cell splits into two cells
Allows for no genetic variety
Bacteria performs it
Protests perform it but takes longer
Regeneration- The ability to regrow a missing part of the body by Mitosis
Fragmentation- A small piece of an organism breaks away from it and develops into a new individual (star fish)
Spores- Contain DNA, cytoplasm, and tough putter wall protects it from dying out produced by many organisms (algae, fungi, bacteria)
Advantages: Allows rapid populating, does not need mates, does not require mobility, friendly to the environment, handy in case of emergency.
Disadvantage: poses some inheritance issues, can lead organism to being prude to extinction, carries problems with population control, causes organism to not be able to adapt and results in poor conditions to subject
