Explain the process of inheritance followed by asexually reproducing organisms.
Asexual reproduction:
The process of reproduction which involves a single parent and occurs without the fusion of gametes is called asexual reproduction.
Inheritance in asexually reproducing organism:
Asexual reproduction occurs directly from a single parent and it involves mitotic division for reproduction. The genetic character of the offspring is similar to that of the parent since the mother cell produces similar daughter cells during mitosis.
The offspring will inherit the same genetic character as that of the parent due to mitotic division leading to the formation of a new offspring. This means a diploid parent will produce a diploid organism directly without the requirement of another parent.
Hence, a similar genetic character will be maintained in the organism at every generation.
Examples: Budding in yeast, vegetative propagation in plants, etc.
Variation in sexually reproducing organisms:
In the process of sexual reproduction, the fusion of male and female gamete occurs. Gametes are produced through meiosis where recombination occurs which leads to variation in genetic character. Both the parents are required for sexual reproduction.
Therefore, fusion of two gametes leads to variation in genetic character of the offspring as compared to parents.
Asexual reproduction:
The process of reproduction which involves a single parent and occurs without the fusion of gametes is called asexual reproduction.
Inheritance in asexually reproducing organism:
Asexual reproduction occurs directly from a single parent and it involves mitotic division for reproduction. The genetic character of the offspring is similar to that of the parent since the mother cell produces similar daughter cells during mitosis.
The offspring will inherit the same genetic character as that of the parent due to mitotic division leading to the formation of a new offspring. This means a diploid parent will produce a diploid organism directly without the requirement of another parent.
Hence, a similar genetic character will be maintained in the organism at every generation.
Examples: Budding in yeast, vegetative propagation in plants, etc.
Variation in sexually reproducing organisms:
In the process of sexual reproduction, the fusion of male and female gamete occurs. Gametes are produced through meiosis where recombination occurs which leads to variation in genetic character. Both the parents are required for sexual reproduction.
Therefore, fusion of two gametes leads to variation in genetic character of the offspring as compared to parents.
