Cambridge O Level Biology · Syllabus 5090 · Development of Organisms and Continuity of Life
Asexual Reproduction
What is Asexual Reproduction?
A process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one parent. No gametes are involved and no nuclei fuse; the offspring are produced by mitosis, which is why they carry the same genes as the parent.
This definition is part of the Development of Organisms and Continuity of Life chapter in Cambridge O Level Biology.
Common mistakes with Asexual Reproduction
- “Asexual reproduction produces variation.” Why wrong The offspring come from one parent by mitosis, so they carry the same genes. Any variation you can see is environmental, not genetic. Say instead Asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring; there is very little genetic variation between them.
- “Self-pollination is asexual reproduction.” Why wrong Gametes are still made by meiosis and two haploid nuclei still fuse. That is sexual reproduction, regardless of where the pollen came from. Say instead Self-pollination is sexual reproduction with less genetic variation than cross-pollination.
Questions students ask about Asexual Reproduction
What is the difference between mitosis and meiosis?
Mitosis is nuclear division giving rise to genetically identical cells in which the chromosome number is maintained; it produces two cells and is used for growth, repair of damaged tissues, replacement of dying cells and asexual reproduction. Meiosis is a reduction division in which the chromosome number is halved from diploid to haploid, resulting in genetically different cells; it produces four cells and is used to make gametes. In humans, mitosis runs 46 → 46 while meiosis runs 46 → 23.