Strawberry plants can reproduce both sexually and asexually. Explain why a strawberry plant that reproduces asexually produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent plant.

Edexcel GCSE Biology (1BI0) — 3.1 Sexual and asexual reproduction · Explain · 4 marks · View as Markdown

Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).

Strawberry plants can spread by producing runners — horizontal stems that grow along the ground and form new plants. They can also reproduce sexually by producing flowers that are pollinated and form seeds.

Model answer (4 marks)

Asexual reproduction involves only one parent.
No gametes are produced and no fertilisation occurs.
New cells are produced by mitosis, so the offspring receive an identical copy of the parent’s DNA/chromosomes.
Therefore the offspring have the same alleles/genotype as the parent, making them genetically identical (clones).

Examiner tips

  • Use the term ‘mitosis’ to show understanding of cell division.
  • Explain that only one parent is involved and no fertilisation occurs.
  • Show that the DNA is copied exactly, leading to identical genotype.
  • Use the word ‘clones’ to summarise the result.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing asexual reproduction with sexual reproduction and mentioning gametes.
  • Failing to state that mitosis is the process that copies DNA.
  • Using the word ‘genetic variation’ instead of ‘genetically identical’.

Mark scheme (4 marks)

  1. Asexual reproduction involves only one parent
  2. No gametes are produced / no fertilisation occurs
  3. New cells are produced by mitosis, so the offspring receive an identical copy of the parent's DNA / chromosomes
  4. Therefore the offspring have the same alleles / genotype as the parent, making them genetically identical (clones)

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