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Reproduction Models Worksheet

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Reproduction Models Worksheet

Analyze the models and evidence below. Use them to compare asexual and sexual reproduction and explain how offspring inherit genetic information.

Model 1: One Parent

A single-celled organism copies its DNA and divides. The two new cells each receive a copy of the DNA. In this simplified model, the copies are identical.

1.In Model 1, how many parent organisms contribute genetic information to the new cells?

One
Two
Three
None

2.Which statement best describes the genetic information in the two new cells in this simplified model?

Each has a mixture of DNA from two parents.
Each has a copy of the parent's DNA and is genetically identical to the other.
Each has no DNA.
Each has completely different DNA from the parent.

Model 2: Two Parents

In many animals, a sperm cell and an egg cell join during fertilization. Each contributes genetic information. The offspring receives a combination of information from both parents.

3.According to Model 2, what happens during fertilization?

4.Why are offspring produced by sexual reproduction often genetically different from their parents and from one another?

Evidence from the Pizza Shop

Madison is helping label food-safe yeast cultures for a pizza shop's science display. One yeast cell grows a small bud; the bud receives a copy of the cell's DNA and eventually separates. Nearby, a poster describes two-parent reproduction in animals.

5.The yeast bud forms from one parent cell. Which type of reproduction does this model represent, and why?

6.Mark each example as asexual or sexual reproduction: (a) a bacterium divides into two cells; (b) sperm and egg join to form an offspring; (c) a hydra forms a bud that grows and separates.

A bacterium divides into two cells
Sperm and egg join to form an offspring
A hydra forms a bud that separates

Sexual
Asexual
Asexual

7.Complete the sentence: Asexual reproduction usually involves parent.

8.Complete the sentence: Asexual offspring are usually genetically to the parent.

9.Complete the sentence: Sexual reproduction usually involves genetic information from parents.

10.Complete the sentence: Sexual reproduction often produces offspring with genetic .

11.A disease affects many individuals in a population. Explain how genetic variation could help some individuals survive and reproduce.

12.A student says, “Asexual reproduction is always better because it makes identical offspring.” Give one possible advantage and one possible limitation of asexual reproduction.

13.Create a simple two-part model showing (1) one parent passing DNA to asexual offspring and (2) two parents contributing genetic information to sexual offspring. Use arrows and a key to show which parent contributes each color or pattern.

Include arrows and a key. Label each model asexual or sexual.