Asexual Reproduction

Only one parent is required and offspring are genetically identical to their parents. A clone is an identical genetic copy

Types of Asexual Reproduction

Binary Fission (to split into two)

A single parent cell replicates its genetic material and divides into two equal partsExample - Single celled eukaryotic organisms such as amoeba

Prokaryotes such as bacteria use this method of reproduction but as they do not have a nucleus do not undergo mitosis as part of their cell cycle

BuddingA bud is an outgrowth, which may detach from the parent.Example - simple multicellular organisms such as hydra and yeast have only a few types of cells and can produce a colony or new individual cells.

FragmentationIf a fragment (part) of an organism breaks away from the parent it develop into a clone of its parentExample seastars and milfoil an aquatic weed

Vegetative ReproductionSome plants can produce structures that can develop into a new plant Examples – tulip and daffodil bulbs, potato eyes, strawberry runners

Spore formationA spore is a reproductive cell produced by mitosis. It has a tough outer coating so it can survive until conditions are favourableExamples – bacteria, micro-organisms and fungi

Cuttings and GraftingA section of a stem is removed, cell division causes root tissue to develop often with the addition of a plant hormone.Some plants cannot grow from cuttings and the cutting (scion) is attached to a similar species with a healthy root system (rootstock).