Asexual Reproduction
What is asexual reproduction?
A form of reproduction involving only one parent, producing genetically identical offspring
What type of asexual reproduction do bacteria use?
What is the purpose of mitosis?
To create two identical cells for growth, repair, or asexual reproduction
What is the final process of the cell splitting into two called?
Cytokinesis
What does “continuity of life” refer to in biology?
The passing on of genetic information from one generation to the next
What is the main advantage of asexual reproduction?
It allows for rapid reproduction without a mate.
What type of asexual reproduction involves a small new organism growing from the body of the parent?
Budding
During which phase do chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell?
Metaphase
What is the name of the structures that helps pull the chromosome apart.
Centrioles and spindle fibers
How does mitosis contribute to the continuity of life?
It ensures that each new cell has the same DNA as the original cell.
Mitosis is a type of asexual reproduction.
Name at least 3 organisms that reproduces asexually
Bacteria, hydra, yeast, etc..
What type involves an organism breaking apart and each piece growing into a new organism? Name a species that uses this method of asexual reproduction.
plants, sea stars, planarians (flatworms), sponges, spirogyra, filamentous cyanobacteria, and many fungi and lichens
What is the name of the phase where the nucleus begins to reform and two new cells start to appear?
Telophase
What is the name for the identical copies of chromosomes attached together before mitosis?
Sister chromatids
Why is genetic stability important in asexual reproduction?
It ensures offspring are identical and can function like the parent. If genes are not identical, possible negative mutations can be introduced
How does asexual reproduction contribute to population explosions in simple organisms like bacteria?
Because it’s fast, requires only one parent, and produces genetically identical offspring quickly, allowing rapid growth under favorable conditions.
What type of asexual reproduction do plants use when they grow from runners or tubers?
Why would they use this method of reproduction instead of pollination?
Vegetative propagation. It's faster to create a new plant this way.
List all stages of mitosis in order. What phases come before and after mitosis?
Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.
Interphase and Cytokinesis
Define "centromere" and explain its role during mitosis.
The centromere is the region where sister chromatids are joined. During mitosis, spindle fibers attach here to pull chromatids apart into the two new cells.
How can environmental changes affect the sustainability of organisms that reproduce asexually?
They may not adapt quickly due to lack of genetic variation.
What is the main disadvantage of producing asexually? Please answer in detail, describing the issue and how it perpetuates throughout the population.
The main disadvantage of asexual reproduction is the lack of genetic variation among offspring, making the entire population vulnerable to environmental changes and diseases. Because asexually produced offspring are genetic clones of their parents, a single harmful mutation or a novel threat can easily wipe out the entire population, hindering adaptation and potentially leading to extinction
Compare and contrast binary fission and budding. Include at least two similarities and one key difference.
Similarities: Both are asexual, produce identical offspring, and involve one parent.
Difference: In binary fission, the parent divides into two equal parts; in budding, the new organism grows off the parent and may be smaller.
What would happen if a cell skipped metaphase during mitosis? Explain the consequences for the daughter cells.
Chromosomes might not line up properly, leading to unequal chromosome distribution. Daughter cells could have too many or too few chromosomes, possibly causing mutations or cell death.
What is the difference between chromatin and chromosomes?
Chromatin is condense but uncoiled DNA; chromosomes are coiled and condensed in preparation for cell division
Describe one way humans use asexual reproduction to promote sustainability in agriculture.
Using cloning or cuttings to grow uniform crops for predictable traits.