Clone

The resulting plants are clones.

The offspring are therefore genetically identical to the parent and to one another, so they are described as clones. Plants can reproduce asexually through structures such as runners, and asexual reproduction also occurs in some fungi. Repeated mitotic divisions allow the new individual to grow.

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.

Laboratory production is different: scientists select one cell producing the required antibody and make a clone from it. The antibodies produced by this single clone are monoclonal antibodies. They are identical and recognise the same antigen, making their behaviour highly specific and predictable.