# 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.

> Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1) — 3.1 Reproduction · Describe · 4 marks

## Mark scheme (4 marks)

1. Sexual reproduction involves two parents / asexual reproduction involves one (single) parent
2. Sexual reproduction involves the fusion of male and female gametes (fertilisation) / asexual reproduction does not involve gametes or fertilisation
3. Asexual reproduction uses mitosis; sexual reproduction relies on meiosis to produce gametes
4. Sexual reproduction creates genetic variation in offspring; asexual reproduction produces genetically identical offspring

## Key terms

- [sexual reproduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/sexual-reproduction)
- [asexual reproduction](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/asexual-reproduction)
- [genetic variation](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/glossary/genetic-variation)

## Related

- [Revision notes for Pearson Edexcel International GCSE Biology (4BI1)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/learn)
- [How to answer "Describe" questions](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/tools/command-word-cheatsheet)
- [Practice this with AI marking (free)](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/start)

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Source: [GradeNine](https://www.gradenine.co.uk/q/describe-the-differences-between-sexual-reproduction-158d4ac6) · Published by Druglandscape Ltd.