sexual reproduction

Examples of sexual reproduction in the following topics:

• Methods of Reproducing

  • Animal reproduction is essential to the survival of a species; it can occur through either asexual or sexual means.
  • The known methods of reproduction are broadly grouped into two main types: sexual and asexual.
  • This type of reproduction produces genetically-identical organisms (clones), whereas in sexual reproduction, the genetic material of two individuals combines to produce offspring that are genetically different from their parents.
  • Sexual reproduction ensures a mixing of the gene pool of the species.
  • In addition, sexual reproduction usually results in the formation of a life stage that is able to endure the conditions that threaten the offspring of an asexual parent.

• Advantages and Disadvantages of Sexual Reproduction

  • The genetic diversity of sexual reproduction, observed in most eukaryotes, is thought to give species better chances of survival.
  • Sexual reproduction was an early evolutionary innovation after the appearance of eukaryotic cells.
  • Scientists recognize some real disadvantages to sexual reproduction.
  • There are several possible explanations, one of which is that the variation that sexual reproduction creates among offspring is very important to the survival and reproduction of the population.
  • Variation is the outcome of sexual reproduction, but why are ongoing variations necessary?

• Plant Reproductive Development and Structure

  • Plants have developed various strategies, both sexual and asexual, to ensure reproductive success.
  • Some plants reproduce sexually while others reproduce asexually, in contrast to animal species, which rely almost exclusively on sexual reproduction.
  • Plant sexual reproduction usually depends on pollinating agents, while asexual reproduction is independent of these agents.
  • Vegetative reproduction is a type of asexual reproduction.
  • The basic function of a flower is to produce seeds through sexual reproduction.

• Introduction to Meiosis

  • Meiosis is the nuclear division of diploid cells into haploid cells, which is a necessary step in sexual reproduction.
  • Sexual reproduction requires fertilization: the union of two cells from two individual organisms.
  • Therefore, sexual reproduction includes a nuclear division that reduces the number of chromosome sets.
  • Sexual reproduction is the production of haploid cells (gametes) and the fusion (fertilization) of two gametes to form a single, unique diploid cell called a zygote.
  • Haploid cells that are part of the sexual reproductive cycle are produced by a type of cell division called meiosis.

• Fungi Reproduction

  • In both sexual and asexual reproduction, fungi produce spores that disperse from the parent organism by either floating on the wind or hitching a ride on an animal.
  • Sexual reproduction introduces genetic variation into a population of fungi.
  • In fungi, sexual reproduction often occurs in response to adverse environmental conditions.
  • Although there are many variations in fungal sexual reproduction, all include the following three stages .
  • Fungi may utilize both asexual and sexual stages of reproduction; sexual reproduction often occurs in response to adverse environmental conditions.

• Types of Sexual and Asexual Reproduction

  • Asexual and sexual reproduction, two methods of reproduction among animals, produce offspring that are clones or genetically unique.
  • The queen bee controls the reproduction of the hive bees to regulate the type of bee produced.
  • Sexual reproduction is the combination of (usually haploid, or having a single set of unpaired chromosomes) reproductive cells from two individuals to form a third (usually diploid, or having a pair of each type of chromosome) unique offspring.
  • Sexual reproduction produces offspring with novel combinations of genes.
  • Hermaphroditism occurs in animals where one individual has both male and female reproductive parts.

• Reproductive Cloning

  • Reproductive cloning, possible through artificially-induced asexual reproduction, is a method used to make a clone of an entire organism.
  • Most multicellular organisms undergo reproduction by sexual means, which involves genetic hybridization of two individuals (parents), making it impossible to generate an identical copy or clone of either parent.
  • Sexual reproduction requires two cells; when the haploid egg and sperm cells fuse, a diploid zygote results.
  • This idea forms the basis for reproductive cloning.
  • The success rate of reproductive cloning at the time was very low.

• Biology of Sexual Behavior

  • The biology of human sexuality includes the reproductive system and the sexual response cycle, as well as the factors that affect them.
  • The biological aspects of human sexuality include the reproductive system, the sexual response cycle, and the neurological and hormonal factors that affect these processes.
  • Female internal reproductive organs consist of the vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, and ovaries.
  • Females have a monthly reproductive cycle; at certain intervals the ovaries release an egg, which passes through the fallopian tube into the uterus.
  • The female reproductive system consists of both internal organs and external genitalia.

• Female Sexual Response

  • Female sexual arousal causes physiological changes including more blood flow to genitals and enlargement and lubrication of the vagina.
  • Sexual arousal (also sexual excitement) is the arousal of sexual desire, during or in anticipation of sexual activity.
  • The beginnings of sexual arousal in a woman's body is usually marked by vaginal lubrication, swelling and engorgement of the external genitals, and internal enlargement of the vagina.
  • If sexual stimulation continues, then sexual arousal may peak into orgasm, resulting in rhythmic muscular contractions in the pelvic region characterized by an intense sensation of pleasure.
  • Reduced estrogen levels may be associated with increased vaginal dryness and less clitoral erection when aroused, but are not directly related to other aspects of sexual interest or arousal.

• Social Context and Sexual Behavior

  • Social context influences sexual behavior; sexuality is expressed and understood through socialized processes.
  • Sexual behavior refers to the manner in which humans experience and express their sexuality.
  • Human sexual activity has sociological, cognitive, emotional, behavioral and biological elements, including physiological processes such as the reproductive mechanism, the sex drive and pathology; sexual intercourse and sexual behavior in all its forms; and personal bonding and shared emotions during sexual activity.
  • Since sexuality is expressed through means learned by socialization, social context is bound to influence sexual behavior.
  • For example, sexual activity with a person below some age of consent and sexual assault in general are criminal offenses in most jurisdictions.