ASEXUAL and SEXUAL REPRODUCTION Asexual--This is a reproductive process that involves only one parent and produces offspring that are identical to the parent.

What about sexual reproduction? That will come later in the power point— patience!!!

Under the right conditions bacteria can increase quickly. With plenty of food, the right temperature and other suitable conditions, bacteria can reproduce as often as every 20 minutes!!!

What would happen if the conditions were always right for bacteria? Humans would be far out-numbered!!!

Bacteria reproduce using binary fission In binary fission a cell first duplicates its genetic material and then divides into two separate cells. Each new cell gets a complete copy of the parent cell’s genetic material, ½ the organelles and some cytoplasm.

However, some bacteria undergo a simple form of sexual reproduction ! This would be sexual reproduction which involves two parents who combine their genetic material to produce a new organism. This results in a new organism which differs from both parents. This process is called conjugation.

Conjugation One bacterium transfers some of its genetic material into another bacterium through a thin, threadlike bridge that joins the two cells. (A form of sexual reproduction in bacteria).

So---what does conjugation result in that makes it different than asexual reproduction? The new bacteria are genetically different from the original parent cells. Remember that with asexual reproduction the resulting new bacteria are identical to the parent from which it came.

What if conditions in the environment are not favorable? This could be caused by a lack of food sources, water is not available, or temperatures too hot or too cold. Bacteria have a solution they form endospores

What are endospores? Small, rounded, thick-walled resting cell that forms inside a bacterial cell. They resist freezing, heating and drying, plus they can survive for many years. Sometimes they are called spores.

One dangerous bacteria spore comes about with improperly canned foods--- - Clostridium botulinum These are heat-resistant endospores that survive in improperly canned foods and cause botulism.

What does botulism do? It paralyzes you beginning with the face muscles and works it’s way down your body. Sometimes it begins with your respiratory system and you cannot breath. All cases are treated as medical emergencies!!

Where are endospores? (spores) They are so small and light that a breeze can lift and carry them to new places. If they land in a place where conditions are suitable, it opens up and the bacterium can begin to grow and multiply.

Sexual reproduction Requires a male and female.

Definition: To produce offspring!

So the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction is ? Sexual reproduction requires two mature organisms of the opposite sex and the resulting offspring is NOT identical to the parents but has many genetic traits like the parent Asexual requires one mature parent and the resulting offspring is identical to the parent.

So--- Now you know the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction.