GCSE›Edexcel GCSE Biology›Mind mapsReproductionEdexcel GCSE Biology: Mind mapStudy pack PDFAlso for this subtopic:Revision notesFlashcardsSubtopic testCover factsAsexualOne parent, no gamete fusionOffspring are genetically identical clonesPlus: no mate needed, rapid cycleMinus: no variation, all vulnerable to same threatSexualFusion of male and female gametes: fertilisationTwo parents, genetically different offspringPlus: variation aids survival if conditions changeMinus: needs a mate, slowerReproductionasexual, sexual, meiosisMeiosisHappens in testes and ovariesDNA copied, cell divides twiceMakes four genetically different cellsEach is haploid: half the chromosomes46 chromosomes → 23 in each gameteCompareParents: asexual 1, sexual 2Variation: asexual none, sexual presentSpeed: asexual rapid, sexual slowerExam tipsExplain why no variation is a disadvantage: diseaseMitosis gives 2 identical diploid cells, not meiosisSay 'genetically identical' or 'genetic variation'