Asexual Reproduction Reproduction without sex

Reproduction DNA is special because it is able to make a perfect copy of itself. A cell doesn’t need two sets of DNA, so after the copy is made the cell splits in two. The old cell dies and two new cells are born. This is called cell division.

Binary Fission When cell division happens in a single-celled organism, the result is two new organisms. The old organism dies and two new “daughters” are born. This is called binary fission. Binary fission is the most common type of asexual reproduction.

Budding Budding is similar to binary fission. Instead of splitting in two, the new organism begins as a small bump or “bud” on the side of the parent. The parent supplies the bud with nutrients until it is big enough to survive on its own. Budding can happen in single- or multi-celled organisms.

Spores Spores are like seeds. They protect the first cell of the new organism, until conditions are right for it to start growing. Spores are common in fungi and some primitive plants.

Vegetative Reproduction If I cut a coconut in half and plant the halves will they grow into new trees? If I cut a potato in half and plant the halves will they grow into new plants? In vegetative reproduction, if part of the plant is cut off, that part can grow into a whole new plant. Can you think of any examples?

Vegetative Reproduction

Regeneration

What happened to this tokay? Is it gone for ever? The tokay will grow a new tail, but will the tail grow a new tokay?

Regeneration In some animals, like starfish, if part of the animal is cut away, both parts can grow into a new animal. This kind of reproduction is called regeneration.

If I have all hens and no roosters will my hens still lay eggs? Will the eggs hatch? Why not? Some animals can lay eggs that will hatch even if there are no males around to fertilize the eggs. This is called parthenogenesis— Greek for “virgin birth”.

Parthenogenesis