1. Sperm cell
2. Egg cell
Reproduction refers to the biological process through which new organisms referred to as offspring are developed from their parents. Other terms that are sometimes used instead of reproduction include breeding and procreation. Reproduction is a very important feature of all life that is known: every individual organism exists due to reproduction. Sexual and asexual reproduction are two forms of reproduction.
Asexual reproduction is the type of reproduction where an organism reproduces without another organism being involved. This type of reproduction isn’t limited to organisms that are single-celled. An example of asexual reproduction is the cloning of organisms. Through this reproduction, a genetically identical copy is created by an organism. The copy looks like the organism itself. There has been a puzzle for many biologists on the development of sexual reproduction. The puzzle is brought about by the fact that in sexual reproduction only half of the organisms reproduce and the fact that these organisms pass only half of their genes.
Sexual reproduction is the type of reproduction where sexual interaction is typically required of two organisms that are specialized and are referred to as gametes. These gametes carry 50% of normal cells’ chromosome number and they are created by the process of meiosis. This is done by a male gamete typically fertilizing a female gamete belonging to the same species leading to the creation of a fertilized embryo. The result of sexual reproduction is an offspring organism with genetic characteristics coming from both parents.
ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
This is a process where organisms generate copies of themselves that are genetically identical without having another organism contributing its genetic material. Example: the asexual division of bacteria through binary fission, reproduction of yeast by budding, reproduction of viruses in cells and the reproduction of hydras which are invertebrates belonging to the order Hydroidea. Organisms that produce by these means do not have different sexes but have the capability of dividing themselves into a different number of copies that are identical to themselves. Many plants possess this ability to reproduce asexually. Another group of organisms known to produce through this reproduction is the Mycocepurus smithii species of ants which is thought to reproduce by asexual means entirely.
Asexual reproduction can also take place in different ways which include: spore formation, fragmentation, and parthenogenesis. Parthenogenesis refers to the growth and development of seed or embryo without male fertilization.
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION
This refers to a biological process leading to the creation of a new organism through the combination of the genetic material coming from two organisms. This process is preceded by another process known as meiosis. Meiosis is a specialized cell division type. Both the parents contribute 50% of the genetic material of the offspring through the creation of haploid gametes. In this reproduction type, the male and the female are the two sexes. The male produces microspores or sperm while the female produces the megaspores or ova. Many animals and plants reproduce by this method. This includes humans. Organisms that reproduce sexually have varying sets of genes for all the traits which are referred to as alleles. The offspring shares the traits of both parents.
ALLOGAMY
This refers to the combination of gametes from different parents.
AUTOGAMY
This is also known as self-fertilization. It takes place in hermaphroditic organisms. It is the fusion of gametes coming from the same individual.
MITOSIS AND MEIOSIS
These are cell division types. Mitosis takes place in somatic cells while meiosis takes place in gametes. In mitosis, the resultant cell number is two times that of the original cells while in meiosis it is for times.
