Reviewer: Asexual and Sexual
Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Reproduction
Biological process by which new individual organisms or offspring’s are products from their
parents. Is a fundamental feature of ll known life each individual organism exists as the
result of reproduction. It is known as prepetition of life
Asexual Reproduction in Plants
Asexual reproduction in plants involves the production of new plants without the
involvement of gametes (egg and sperm cells). This method produces offspring that are
genetically identical to the parent plant. Only include one parent. Types include:
• Bulbs – Underground storage organs that can grow into new plants (e.g., onion).
• Stolon – Also known as runners, these are horizontal stems that grow above ground and
form new plants at nodes (e.g., strawberry).
• Tuber – Swollen underground stems containing stored food; new plants can grow from
buds or 'eyes' (e.g., potato).
• Rhizomes – Horizontal underground stems that produce new shoots and roots (e.g.,
ginger).
• Leaf Margin Growth – Some plants produce small plantlets along the edges of their leaves,
which can grow into new plants (e.g., Kalanchoe).
Asexual Reproduction in Animals
Asexual reproduction in animals also results in offspring that are genetically identical to the
parent. Common methods include:
• Binary Fission – The parent organism splits into two equal parts (e.g., amoeba).
• Fragmentation – A part of the organism breaks off and develops into a new individual (e.g.,
starfish).
• Budding – A new organism grows out of the body of the parent organism (e.g., hydra).
Sexual Reproduction in Plants and Animals
Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes, resulting in offspring
that are genetically different from the parents.
Sexual Reproduction in Plants
Pollination is a key step in the sexual reproduction of plants. It involves the transfer of
pollen from the male part (anther) to the female part (stigma) of a flower.
Types of Pollination:
• Self-pollination – Pollen from the same flower or plant fertilizes the ovule.
• Cross-pollination – Pollen is transferred from one plant to another plant of the same
species.
Pollinators such as bees, butterflies, wind, and water help in pollination. After pollination,
fertilization occurs, leading to the development of seeds and fruits.
Sexual Reproduction in Animals
In animals, sexual reproduction requires the combination of a male sperm cell and a female
egg cell. The process involves:
• Fertilization – The fusion of sperm and egg to form a zygote.
• Development – The zygote grows and develops into a new organism.
Animals may reproduce internally (inside the body) or externally (outside the body in
water, for example).
Advantages and Disadvantages of Asexual Reproduction
Advantages – the organism does not need a search for a partner, it requires less energy
since no mating is required, only takes a short period of time
Disadvantages – no variation in the genetic mileage of the offspring
