Asexual reproduction can occur through various methods in different organisms. Binary fission allows for rapid and clonal reproduction in prokaryotic bacteria, with a single cell able to divide into over 16 million cells within 8 hours given sufficient resources. Other asexual reproduction methods mentioned include mitosis in eukaryotic somatic cells, spore formation in fungi, budding in sponges and corals, parthenogenesis in some insects, and vegetative reproduction through runners, cuttings, and rhizomes in plants.

1. Asexual Reproduction

2. Reproduction without sex Binary fission in prokaryotic microbes Mitosis in the somatic cells of eukaryotes Spore formation in fungi Natural cloning in animals Budding in sponges and corals ‘ virgin births’ in insects Vegetative reproduction in plants (eg. runners, cuttings and rhizomes)

3. Binary fission in bacteria Much faster than mitosis in eukaryotic cells Takes approx. 20 mins as opposed to several hours If resources were available once cell could become 16,000,000 in 8 hours!

4. Binary Fission in bacteria

5. Binary Fission in bacteria

6. Binary Fission in bacteria

7. Binary Fission in bacteria

8. Binary Fission in bacteria

9. Binary fission in bacteria Bidirectional replication of circular DNA DNA moves to poles Cell elongates Cleavage furrow forms Cell divides

10. Asexual reproduction in plants Parent Bud Runner Rhizome New frond