Asexual Reproduction

What is Asexual Reproduction? Involves only ONE parent All offspring are genetically identical to each other and the parent! Can produce large numbers of offspring very rapidly!

Binary Fission… basically mitosis! Simplest form of asexual reproduction Parent divides it’s nucleus and cytoplasm into two equal parts and splits into two cells that are equal in size No parent cell remains Occurs in unicellular organisms like amoebas, paramecium, bacteria, etc.

Binary Fission

Budding Parent divides into two unequal parts New individuals grow out of the body of the parent Parent remains and parent and offspring are not the same size Occurs in yeast, hydra, sponges, and some worms

Budding in Sea Sponges Spongebob Budding

Spore Formation Small, sometimes microscopic, cells called spores are formed (usually in large amounts) Spores contain cytoplasm and genetic information Surrounded by a tough outer coat that protects them from unfavorable environmental conditions When conditions are good the spore develops into a new organism Ex: bacteria, yeast, molds, mushrooms, ferns

Spore Formation

Regeneration Ability of an organism to re- grow lost body parts Involves the development of a new organism from a part of the original organism Ex: hydra, planaria, sea stars, earthworms

Regeneration

Vegetative Propagation Asexual reproduction in plants Occurs when parts of the parent plant are used to grow a completely new plant Occurs both naturally and artificially