ReproductionReproduction gives rise to new generations by either asexual or sexual processes. It is crucial for sustaining and growing a population. |
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| At a genetic level there are two basic types of cell: |
| Haploid cell | cell with one set of chromosomes. |
| Diploid cell | cell with two copies of each chromosome, one from each of the organism's parents. |
| Two important cellular events are involved in reproduction: |
| Mitosis | asexual cell division that generates two genetically-identical daughter cells. Provides genetic stability in reproduction. |
| Meiosis | sexual cell division that generates hapoid daughter cells (either gametes or spores) from diploid parent cells. Involves two successive nuclear divisions. Provides genetic variation in reproduction. |
| Sexual reproduction of multicellular organisms involves specialized cell types: |
| Sporophyte | multicellular organism composed of diploid cells, producing spores through meiosis. |
| Spore | (usually) haploid reproductive cell that grows into a gametophyte through mitosis. |
| Gametophyte | multicellular organism composed of haploid cells, producing gametes (male, female or both) through mitosis. |
| Gamete | haploid reproductive cell that fuses with another gamete through syngamy (fertilization) to form a zygote. |
| Zygote | diploid cell formed by syngamy, that (usually) grows into a sporophyte through mitosis. |
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