1. Asexual reproduction and comparison

2. Learning intentions I can describe methods of asexual reproduction in plants I can explain the meaning of the term clone I can describe the advantages and disadvantages of both sexual and asexual reproduction into plants

3. Success criteria I can describe methods of asexual plant reproduction I can identify methods of asexual reproduction looking at different plant types I can define the term clone I can complete a table to compare the advantages and disadvantages of asexual and sexual reproduction

4. Plant Life Cycles All stages involved in plant reproduction take place continually year after year. Some plants can reproduce WITHOUT forming seeds. This is another form of reproduction It only involves one parent No sex cells are involved ASEXUAL It is called ASEXUAL reproduction

5. Plant Life Cycles – Asexual Reproduction During asexual reproduction the parent plant produces new cells which eventually separate and become new independent plants.

6. Bulbs A bulb is made up of several swollen leaf bases with stored food side buds form in the leaf bases and develop into daughter bulbs which will grow into new plants

7. Runners Some plants grow side shoots called runners which form buds along the stem. They get nutrients and water from their parent until they grow their own roots and detach. Strawberry and spider plants reproduce asexually using this method

8. Tubers Some plant reproduce asexually by producing underground storage organs called tubers. These tubers grow into new plants the following year

9. Offsets An offset is a tiny plantlet that develops as a side shoot at the base of a plant. Several can form a clump at the base of a parent plant. Some examples are Mother in Laws tongue and Aloe vera

10. Plantlets The “Mexican Hat” Plant produces plantlets around the edge of the leaves. These eventually fall off and develop into new independent plants.

11. Asexual Reproduction Asexual reproduction is quite common in plants It produces new plants with the same characteristics as the parent. There is no variation If the plant is resistant to a particular disease, then so will the offspring.

12. Asexual Reproduction Plants produced in this way are often found growing in clumps to reduce competition from other plants. Growth occurs very quickly because of available food store. It is successful as it does not involve the vulnerable stages of germination and early seedling growth. CLONE Plants which are all identical, formed in this way are called a CLONE

13. Sexual & Asexual Reproduction AsexualSexual AdvantagesEarly quick growth Reduced competition Variety Seeds dispersed DisadvantagesOvercrowding Quality doesn’t improve & weaknesses passed on Gametes required Limited food store in seeds There are some important differences between these 2 methods of reproduction. Each method has advantages and disadvantages.