Asexual Reproduction Chapter 5.4

Reproduction Reproduction is when organisms come from one or more other organisms. Can come in two forms ◦Sexual ◦Asexual Sexual – Joining of gametes from each parent Asexual – No gametes, offspring from one parent

Binary Fission This is how most prokaryotes reproduce. This is a form of asexual reproduction. Similar results as mitosis, but differs in a few ways. The cell just pulls itself apart and brings half of the DNA

Differences Binary Fission ◦Does not have nucleus division (no nucleus) ◦No spindle fibers ◦Much less DNA Mitosis ◦Division of nucleus ◦Uses spindle fibers ◦Many different chromosomes.

Advantages In environments that don’t change, having a copy of a survivor is good. ◦If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it All asexual reproducers don’t need a partner, so they call all potentially reproduce.

Disadvantages If conditions change then similar organisms may die easily. Low genetic diversity lower chances of finding a “better version”

Eukaryotes Some eukys use asexual reproduction Budding – small organism grows off of parent organism and can drop off or stay attached. Fragmentation – Parent splits into pieces. Each piece becomes a new organism. Some can reproduce both sexually and asexually.