When a single celled organisms reproduces to give two identical offspring, this is an example of asexual reproduction or cell fission.
It is in contrast to the process of sexual reproduction in which the offspring produced are the result of fertilisation of the gametes from one parent by the gametes of another parent. This introduces variation in the genes of the offspring, giving it some different characteristics to both its parents.
Bacteria and other single celled organisms always reproduce asexually - they do not produce gametes. Bacteria are, however, capable of exchanging genetic information via the process of conjugation.
This involves one bacteria producing a long tube that goes to another bacteria and through which circles of DNA called plasmids are passed. This transfers new genes from one bacteria to the other and is the basic process that is responsible for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes throughout a bacterial population.
It is in contrast to the process of sexual reproduction in which the offspring produced are the result of fertilisation of the gametes from one parent by the gametes of another parent. This introduces variation in the genes of the offspring, giving it some different characteristics to both its parents.
Bacteria and other single celled organisms always reproduce asexually - they do not produce gametes. Bacteria are, however, capable of exchanging genetic information via the process of conjugation.
This involves one bacteria producing a long tube that goes to another bacteria and through which circles of DNA called plasmids are passed. This transfers new genes from one bacteria to the other and is the basic process that is responsible for the rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes throughout a bacterial population.
