Does variation occur in asexually reproducing organisms? Justify
Answers
In asexual reproduction an exact genetic copy of the parent organism is produced. Unlike sexual reproduction, asexual reproduction only introduces genetic variation into the population if a random mutation in the organism's DNA is passed on to the offspring.
Explanation:
Sexual reproduction results from the fusion of gametes produced by male and female. Sexual reproduction causes more viable variations because:
→ There might be an error in the copying of DNA, though the event is rare.
→ Segregation of chromosome of maternal and paternal origin at the time of gamete formation is random.
→ There is an exchange of genetic material between homologous chromosomes during formation of gametes.
In case of asexual reproduction, variation is significantly less since only a single parent is involved. Very small changes occur due to inaccuracies during DNA copying that pass on to the progeny. Thus, offsprings of asexual reproduction are more or less genetically similar to their parents. So, it can be concluded that evolution in sexually reproducing organisms proceeds at a faster pace than in asexually reproducing organisms.
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