Asexual Reproduction Reproduction The process by which an

Asexual Reproduction

Reproduction Ø The process by which an organism produces others of its same kind. Ø Sexual Reproduction usually needs 2 individuals as parents to form offspring Ø Asexual (not sexual) Reproduction – a new organism is produced from 1 parent

Cellular Asexual Reproduction Potato Sprouts will each develop into a new plant. Each new plant will produce many new potatoes. Each new potato will produce new plants, etc.

Runners Ø New strawberry plants form when a stems “runs” out away from the plant then roots. Ø The new plants can then form fruit.

Budding Ø Hydra, a freshwater animal ‘sprouts’ off a bud. When the bud is large enough, it will pinch off, break away and live on its own.

Regeneration – process in which lost body parts can be rebuilt Ø If a starfish is cut into pieces, each piece will be grown into a complete organism Ø

Good Things about Asexual Reproduction Ø Quick, Easy Ø You don’t have to find a mate Ø Reliable l Very Few Mutations in DNA

Bad Things about Asexual Reproduction Ø No Mate is required Ø Very Little variety in DNA Ø All offspring are identical Ø NO DIVERSITY l Which means you will all have the same weaknesses, and can all be wiped out by the same fungus, bacteria or other problem.

Potato Fungus stays in the soil. Destroys all potatoes grown there.

Real Problems with Asexual Reproduction Ø Irish Potato Famine of 1845 -1850 Used same kind of seed potato (identical DNA) Ø Fungus attacked all potatoes Ø 1 in 4 people starved to death Ø Young, healthy emigrated to other countries. Ø