6.1.1

Reproduction

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Cell Division

The two types of cell division are:

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Mitosis

  • This results in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells.
  • Mitosis is used in asexual reproduction.
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Meiosis

  • This results in the formation of four genetically non-identical daughter cells.
  • Meiosis is used in sexual reproduction.

Sexual Reproduction

The process of reproduction where the nuclei of two gametes (sex cells) fuse to form a zygote (a process known as fertilisation), producing offspring that are genetically different to one another. There are four key features of sexual reproduction:

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Male and female gametes fuse

  • Sperm and egg cells are the gametes in animals.
  • Pollen and ovum cells contain the gametes in flowering plants.

Asexual Reproduction

Asexual reproduction is the process of reproduction that forms genetically identical offspring from only one parent. Asexual reproduction is common in single-celled organisms and some plants. There are four key features of asexual reproduction:

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Cells divide by mitosis

  • The two sets of chromosomes are pulled to opposite ends of the cell. Then, the nucleus divides into two.

Jump to other topics

1Cell Biology

2Organisation

2.1Principles of Organisation

2.2Enzymes

2.3Circulatory System

2.4Non-Communicable Diseases

2.5Plant Tissues, Organs & Systems

3Infection & Response

4Bioenergetics

5Homeostasis & Response

6Inheritance, Variation & Evolution

7Ecology

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