Download *Sexual Reproduction Male Sex Cell = Sperm Cell Female Sex Cell

Study Guide
*Sexual Reproduction
Male Sex Cell = Sperm Cell
Female Sex Cell= Egg Cell
-Egg and Sperm have ½ the number of chromosomes (genetic information) as the
body cells ; can happen internally or externally
-Sperm fertilize eggs creating a new cell that has the genetic information of both
the mom and dad
Advantages= creates genetic variation, helps organisms adapt to changing
environments, offspring are generally cared for over a longer period of time to
ensure survival
Disadvantages= requires a mate (or the opposite sex cell), process can take longer
(both mating, the development of the offspring, and caring for the offspring).
*Asexual Reproduction
A form of reproduction where offspring are identical to the parents. No
fertilization involved in asexual reproduction.
Parent makes a copy (including ALL chromosomes), and divides. Daughter cells are
identical to the parent.
Advantages = usually faster than sexual reproduction, no mate necessary, good
traits always passed to offspring, usually less parental care involved.
Disadvantages = no genetic variation, bad traits also get passed to offspring,
organisms may have a more difficult time adapting to changing environments, less
parental care can mean less chances of survival of the offspring.
Study Guide
*Mitosis
A form of cell division that produces two identical cells.
Where it’s used- 1) in all body cells (except to form the sperm or egg) for growth,
development, repair and regeneration of new cells; 2) in organisms undergoing
asexual reproduction
Each daughter cell has a complete set of chromosomes (genetic information)
*Meiosis
A form of cell division that produces the egg cells (female) and sperm cells (male)
which are used during sexual reproduction.
“Mother” cell produces four “daughter” cells that are genetically unique and have
½ the number of chromosomes (genetic information).