Introduction to Reproduction

• Reproduction is the process of giving rise to offspring.
• Reproduction is essential for the continuation of a species.
• There are two modes of reproduction:

1. Sexual reproduction
2. Asexual reproduction
   

   Asexual reproduction

   The type of reproduction in which only a single parent is involved is called asexual reproduction.

   • There is no mixing of genetic information.
   • For example, buds in Hydra

   Sexual reproduction

   The type of reproduction, which involves two parents to give rise to an offspring is called sexual reproduction.

   • The males and females have different reproductive parts or organs.
   • These organs produce the male and female gametes, which fuse together to form the offspring.
   • Genetic information from both parents is inherited.
   •  For example, humans

   To know more about Modes of Reproduction, visit here

   Fission

   It is a type of asexual reproduction in which a single-celled organism divides into two.

   • Division of a nucleus is followed by the division of other cell organelles in the cytoplasm and finally the cytoplasm.
   • Thus, two cells are produced from one parent cell.
   • Example: Amoeba.
   • Amoeba reproduces by binary fission, which is dividing into two cells.

   If one parent cell gives rise to many daughter cells, this type of fission is called multiple fission.

    

   

   Budding

   • A bud starts as an outgrowth of the parent body.
   • As this bud grows, it becomes a new individual organism.
   • In some organisms, the buds remain attached to the parent’s body (example: yeast)
   • In some organisms, it detaches from the parent body and develops into a completely mature individual (hydra).
   • This type of reproduction is called budding.
     
     

     Cell Division

     • Reproduction essentially involves cell division.
     • Without cell division, life will not propagate.
     • The two types of reproductive processes involve two different types of cell divisions.

     Cell division is the process in which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells.

     Cell division provides more cells:

     • For growth
     • Regeneration
     • Repair and damage control
     • Gamete formation

     To know more about Cell Division, visit here.

     There are two types of cell division:

     1. Mitosis
     2. Meiosis

     Mitosis

     Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

     • DNA replication occurs once, followed by a single division.
     • The number of chromosomes is maintained in this type of division.
     • This type of division happens in asexual reproduction.
     • It is also used for growth, repair and regeneration of tissues.
       
       

       Meiosis

       This is a cell division in which a single cell divides into four haploid cells.

       • DNA replication occurs once followed by two divisions.
       • The number of chromosomes are halved in meiosis.
       • Meiosis takes place in sex organs to produce haploid gametes.
       • Thus, the gametes have only half the number of chromosomes in them.