Question

Can prokaryotes reproduce sexually?

Answer 1

Asexual reproduction

1. In this type of reproduction, the offspring is produced by a single parent.
2. The offspring is genetically and physiologically identical to its parent.
3. No fertilization takes place in asexual reproduction.
4. Budding, fission, fragmentation etc in bacteria, amoeba and cyanobacteria some examples of asexual reproduction.

Sexual reproduction

1. Both the parents are involved in producing the offspring.
2. The reproduction takes place through gametes and fertilization occurs.
3. The offsprings are genetically non-identical to their parents.
4. Frogs, plants, mammals etc undergo sexual reproduction.

Prokaryotes

1. They are unicellular primitive organisms that lack a well-defined nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.
2. Bacteria and archaea belong to prokaryotes.
3. Prokaryotes do not reproduce sexually. They can only reproduce asexually through binary fission.
4. This involves the splitting of the cell into two equal daughter cells.
5. Each of these daughter cells receives the same genetic content as its parent.