Asexual and sexual reproduction — Cambridge IGCSE Biology
Asexual reproduction gives genetically identical offspring from one parent; sexual reproduction fuses gamete nuclei and gives varied offspring.
Revision notes
2 short notes, in the order of the specification. Each one in short:
Asexual reproduction is a process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one parent. There are no gametes and no fusion of nuclei, so the offspring are clones. Examples include binary fission in bacteria, runners in strawberry plants, potato tubers, daffodil bulbs and fungal spores. In exams, write genetically identical, not similar.
Sexual reproduction is a process involving the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes to form a zygote and the production of offspring that are genetically different from each other. Fertilisation is the fusion of the nuclei of gametes. Gametes have haploid nuclei, and the zygote is diploid, so fertilisation restores the full number of chromosomes.
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Quick check questions
Define asexual reproduction.
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A process resulting in the production of genetically identical offspring from one parent.
Name two examples of asexual reproduction in plants.
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Strawberry runners, potato tubers or daffodil bulbs.
Define fertilisation.
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The fusion of the nuclei of gametes.
Are the offspring of sexual reproduction identical to each other?
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No, they are genetically different from each other.
Supplement State whether the nucleus of a zygote is haploid or diploid.
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Diploid.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sexual and asexual reproduction?
Asexual reproduction involves one parent and produces genetically identical offspring, with no gametes and no fusion of nuclei. Sexual reproduction usually involves two parents and the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes to form a zygote. Its offspring are genetically different from each other, because they inherit a mixture of genetic information.
What are the advantages of asexual reproduction?
Supplement Asexual reproduction needs only one parent, so no mate has to be found, and it is quick and uses less energy. Many offspring can be produced in a short time, and a population can spread quickly into a favourable environment. For crops, plants with useful features can be copied exactly, giving a uniform crop.
Why is genetic variation an advantage of sexual reproduction?
Supplement Genetic variation is an advantage because, if the environment changes or a new disease appears, some individuals may survive and reproduce. This gives the population a better chance of adapting through natural selection. In asexual reproduction there is no variation, so all individuals are equally affected and the population may not survive.
Is a zygote haploid or diploid?
Supplement A zygote is diploid: its nucleus contains two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. The nuclei of gametes are haploid, containing a single set of chromosomes. When the nuclei of two gametes fuse at fertilisation, the full diploid number of chromosomes is restored in the zygote.
Written and checked against the Cambridge IGCSE Biology (0610) specification · Updated October 2026