Unit 9 asexual vs. sexual reproduction
Summary of Key Concepts in Human Mitosis, Asexual and Sexual
Reproduction, and Meiosis
Human Mitosis: Chromosome Number Before and After
● Before mitosis: A single human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs
(diploid, 2N).
● After mitosis: Each daughter cell also contains 46 chromosomes, maintaining the diploid
chromosome number.
● Somatic cells in humans undergo mitosis to duplicate and maintain genetic consistency.
Asexual Reproduction
Definition: Reproduction involving a single parent producing genetically identical offspring (natural
clones).
Characteristics:
● Offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
● Rapid reproduction rate.
● Lack of genetic variation, which can be advantageous if the genome is healthy but risky if
harmful mutations occur.
● Common in plants and single-celled organisms.
● Less common in animals.
Advantages:
● Rapid population increase.
● Efficient in stable environments.
Disadvantages:
● No genetic variation, which may reduce adaptability.
● Vulnerable to diseases and genetic defects.
Asexual Reproduction in Plants
● Roots: Runners spread out, enabling new plants to grow (common in grasses).
● Stems: Certain stems can develop roots and start new plants.
Summary of Key Concepts in Human Mitosis, Asexual and Sexual
Reproduction, and Meiosis
Human Mitosis: Chromosome Number Before and After
● Before mitosis: A single human somatic cell contains 46 chromosomes arranged in 23 pairs
(diploid, 2N).
● After mitosis: Each daughter cell also contains 46 chromosomes, maintaining the diploid
chromosome number.
● Somatic cells in humans undergo mitosis to duplicate and maintain genetic consistency.
Asexual Reproduction
Definition: Reproduction involving a single parent producing genetically identical offspring (natural
clones).
Characteristics:
● Offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
● Rapid reproduction rate.
● Lack of genetic variation, which can be advantageous if the genome is healthy but risky if
harmful mutations occur.
● Common in plants and single-celled organisms.
● Less common in animals.
Advantages:
● Rapid population increase.
● Efficient in stable environments.
Disadvantages:
● No genetic variation, which may reduce adaptability.
● Vulnerable to diseases and genetic defects.
Asexual Reproduction in Plants
● Roots: Runners spread out, enabling new plants to grow (common in grasses).
● Stems: Certain stems can develop roots and start new plants.
