1. Asexual Reproduction Learning Objectives –
To know that asexual reproduction involves only one parent and produces clones.
To know how cells divide by mitosis

2. Learning Outcomes

3. Divide and grow
The type of cell division that makes animals and plants grow is called mitosis.
In mitosis, a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells. These daughter cells divide in two, and so on.
parent cell
mitosis
Mitosis is also the way in old and damaged cells are replaced.
daughter cells

4. Duplicating chromosomes
Just before the cell divides, however, the chromosomes become more visible. They are said to condense.
Each chromosome duplicates and becomes two strands, each one called a chromatid. The two chromatids are joined at the centromere.
chromatid
condensed chromosome
centromere

5. What happens during mitosis?
Teacher notes
This six-stage interactive animation shows how a cell divides by mitosis. Suitable prompts could include:
Start: What type of cell might be this represent?
Stage 1: Where are chromosomes found?
Stage 2: What must happen to chromosomes before the cell divides?
Stage 3: How do the chromosomes get out of the nucleus?
Stage 4: How are the chromosomes separated?
Stage 5: What must happen after the chromosomes have been separated?
Stage 6: How does each new cell compare with the original?

6. The stages of mitosis Teacher notes
This ordering activity could be used as a plenary or revision exercise on the stages of mitosis. Mini-whiteboards could be used to make this a whole-class exercise.

7. Chromosomes during mitosis
Teacher notes
This drag and drop activity provides the opportunity for informal assessment of students’ understanding of what happens to chromosomes during mitosis.

8. What are sex cells?
Sex cells in animals and plants are called gametes. In animals, the gametes are eggs (ova) and sperm.
In mammals, egg cells are produced in the ovaries, and sperm cells are produced in the testes. How are these cells specialized for their roles in reproduction?
lots of mitochondria for providing energy
flexible tail for swimming
food source in cytoplasm for embryo
enzymes to digest egg cell membrane
protective outer cell layers