Describe the differences between sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction in terms of the number of parents involved, the type of cell division used to produce new individuals, and the genetic variation of offspring.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
Sexual reproduction involves two parents, whereas asexual reproduction involves only one.
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation); asexual reproduction does not use gametes or fertilisation.
Sexual reproduction relies on meiosis to produce gametes, while asexual reproduction uses mitosis to produce new individuals.
Sexual reproduction creates genetic variation in offspring; asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring.
Sexual reproduction requires the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation); asexual reproduction does not use gametes or fertilisation.
Sexual reproduction relies on meiosis to produce gametes, while asexual reproduction uses mitosis to produce new individuals.
Sexual reproduction creates genetic variation in offspring; asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring.
Examiner tips
- Use the word "involves" to show the number of parents; mention "fusion of gametes" for sexual and "no gametes" for asexual. State the cell division processes clearly: meiosis for sexual, mitosis for asexual. Highlight genetic variation: variation vs identical.
- common_mistakes
- :
- Confusing mitosis with meiosis for sexual reproduction. Forgetting to mention that asexual reproduction produces identical offspring. Using vague terms like "different" instead of "genetic variation".
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- Sexual reproduction involves two parents / asexual reproduction involves one (single) parent
- Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation) / asexual reproduction does not involve gametes or fertilisation
- Asexual reproduction uses mitosis; sexual reproduction relies on meiosis to produce gametes
- Sexual reproduction creates genetic variation in offspring; asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring
Key terms in this question
sexual reproduction · asexual reproduction · genetic variation
Related
- All Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
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