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Nikhil faraday
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In plants , Spores are produced ( asexual reproduction) as a result of meiosis , so there should be genetic variations as meiosis causes genetic variations! please help to clarify the concept
Can asexual reproduction be the cause of genetic variations
- Thread starter Nikhil faraday
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In summary, the conversation discusses the concept of Alternation of Generations and the role of meiosis in producing genetic variations in plants. It highlights the difference between asexual reproduction through cell division and the production of gametes through meiosis. The confusion between spores and gametes is also addressed, with the clarification that pollen grains are in fact spores and not gametes. The conversation also brings up the different perspectives of biologists and botanists in understanding this process.
- #2
jim mcnamara
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I guess:
You are talking about Alternation of Generations - gametophyte and sporophyte. And the production of gametes is NOT asexual. So the answer is: yes. Meiosis always "scrambles" DNA in chromosome pairs when crossing over occurs. It is sometimes called recombination. In evolutionary terms it is known as 'meiotic drive'.
Somewhere you got the word 'spore' misplaced in your understanding. Flowering plants produce meiotically generated spores (gametes): pollen grains, for example. Not part of asexual reproduction.
Cell division or mitosis is the driving force for asexual reproduction. Gametophytes like molds can make spores by mitosis, even though they are haploid.
All of this gets messy and confusing to students when you look at fungi, because most times, the organisms we can see are gametophytes - they have half the normal number of chromosomes.
You are talking about Alternation of Generations - gametophyte and sporophyte. And the production of gametes is NOT asexual. So the answer is: yes. Meiosis always "scrambles" DNA in chromosome pairs when crossing over occurs. It is sometimes called recombination. In evolutionary terms it is known as 'meiotic drive'.
Somewhere you got the word 'spore' misplaced in your understanding. Flowering plants produce meiotically generated spores (gametes): pollen grains, for example. Not part of asexual reproduction.
Cell division or mitosis is the driving force for asexual reproduction. Gametophytes like molds can make spores by mitosis, even though they are haploid.
All of this gets messy and confusing to students when you look at fungi, because most times, the organisms we can see are gametophytes - they have half the normal number of chromosomes.
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jim mcnamara
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Anything with one n chromosomes is a gamete in the sense of gametophyte. Production of more cells by mitosis does not change that.
Anything with two n chromosomes is not a gamete in the sense of gametophyte versus sporophyte.
I see what your drawing shows, and yes they use the word "spore". IMO, bad choice. Why? Because you are confused by it. Spore has multiple meanings. It usually means asexual reproduction. You are correct in that usage. Why? If your instructor thinks that is the correct way to go you are stuck with it.
If you talk to a Botanist they will explain it a little differently.
Anything with two n chromosomes is not a gamete in the sense of gametophyte versus sporophyte.
I see what your drawing shows, and yes they use the word "spore". IMO, bad choice. Why? Because you are confused by it. Spore has multiple meanings. It usually means asexual reproduction. You are correct in that usage. Why? If your instructor thinks that is the correct way to go you are stuck with it.
If you talk to a Botanist they will explain it a little differently.
1. How does asexual reproduction lead to genetic variations?
Asexual reproduction can lead to genetic variations through a process called mutation. During asexual reproduction, genetic material is copied from a single parent, but errors can occur during this process, resulting in new and different genetic combinations. These mutations can then be passed down to future generations, leading to genetic variations.
2. Can asexual reproduction result in a diverse population?
Yes, asexual reproduction can result in a diverse population. While asexual reproduction does not involve the mixing of genetic material from two different individuals, mutations can still occur, leading to genetic variations within a population. Over time, these variations can accumulate, resulting in a diverse population.
3. What are the advantages of asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variations?
The main advantage of asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variations is the speed at which new variations can arise. With asexual reproduction, new individuals can be produced quickly, and with each new individual comes the potential for new mutations and genetic variations. This can be beneficial for species that need to adapt quickly to changing environments.
4. Are there any disadvantages of asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variations?
Yes, there are some disadvantages of asexual reproduction in terms of genetic variations. With asexual reproduction, there is a lack of genetic diversity, which can make a population more vulnerable to environmental changes or diseases. Additionally, asexual reproduction can limit the ability to adapt to new environments since there is no mixing of genetic material from different individuals.
5. Can asexual reproduction be the sole cause of genetic variations in a population?
No, asexual reproduction is not the sole cause of genetic variations in a population. While it can lead to genetic variations through mutations, there are other factors that contribute to genetic diversity, such as sexual reproduction and genetic drift. A combination of these factors ultimately leads to the genetic variations observed in a population.
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