Question

Enumerate the differences between asexual and sexual reproduction. Describe the types of asexual reproduction exhibited by unicellular organisms.

Answer 1

Asexual Reproduction		Sexual Reproduction
1.	It does not involve formation and fusion of gametes.	It involves formation and fusion of gametes.
2.	It is uniparental.	It is generally biparental.
3.	Reproductive units are somatic cells of parent.	Reproductive units are germ cells of parent.
4.	It involves only mitotic divisions.	It involves only meiosis divisions.
5.	Offspring are genetically similar to parents.	Offspring are genetically different from parents.
6.	Fast and simple process.	Slow, elaborate and complex process.

The types of asexual reproduction exhibited by unicellular organisms:

• Many single-celled organisms reproduce by binary fission (e.g., Amoeba, Paramecium), where a cell divides into two halves and each rapidly grows into an adult.
• In yeast, the division is unequal and small buds are produced that remain attached initially to the parent cell which eventually gets separated and mature into new yeast organism (cells).