Asexual reproduction

Definition

Reproduction involving one parent and no fusion of gametes, usually producing genetically identical offspring.

Used by AQA, Edexcel and OCR

Specification 4.6.1.3, 4.6.2.5 · Paper 2

Reproduction involving one parent and no fusion of gametes, producing genetically identical offspring by mitosis.
Asexual reproduction needs only one parent and no fusion of gametes. It involves mitosis and produces genetically identical offspring called clones. These differences create a trade-off: producing variation can help a population face change, while producing clones can increase its numbers quickly when conditions are favourable.
Revise: Reproduction Pros and Cons
A form of reproduction involving one parent, no fusion of gametes and no mixing of genetic information.
Revise: Cloning

1
If asked why mitosis is important, do more than list “growth, repair and asexual reproduction”: link each role to the production of new, genetically identical cells.
2
For asexual reproduction, state that there is one parent and no fusion of gametes; mitosis therefore produces genetically identical offspring called clones.
3
Do not confuse asexual reproduction with sexual reproduction: asexual reproduction does not involve the fusion of gametes.

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Specification 2.2, 3.1B · Paper 1

There are three central roles: growth, repair and asexual reproduction.
Revise: Importance of Mitosis
Reproduction involving a single parent, without the fusion of gametes, which normally produces genetically identical offspring.
Revise: Asexual Reproduction

Specification B5.1f · Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 4 (Higher)

Reproduction in which one parent produces offspring without gametes fusing; the offspring are usually genetically identical to the parent.
In asexual reproduction, one parent produces offspring without gametes fusing. These offspring are usually genetically identical to their parent and to one another: they are clones, apart from any new mutations. In sexual reproduction, two gametes fuse.
Revise: Asexual and sexual reproduction

Paper 1 (Foundation), Paper 2 (Foundation), Paper 3 (Higher), Paper 4 (Higher)

Reproduction involving one parent and no fusion of gametes, usually producing offspring genetically identical to that parent.
In asexual reproduction, one parent produces offspring without gametes fusing. The offspring are usually genetically identical to that parent: they are clones.
Revise: Advantages and Disadvantages