Reproduction
Definition
Reproduction is the biological process by which new individuals of the same species are produced, either by a single parent (asexual reproduction) or two parents (sexual reproduction).
Analogy
Think of reproduction like baking cookies. In asexual reproduction, it's as if you're making an exact copy of your favorite cookie using a mold - every detail is identical. In sexual reproduction, it's more like combining ingredients from two different recipes to create a unique cookie that has features from both.
Related terms
Mitosis: This is the process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent nucleus. It's part of asexual reproduction.
Meiosis: A type of cell division that results in four daughter cells each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell. It leads to genetic diversity and is involved in sexual reproduction.
Fertilization: The union of male and female gametes (sperm and egg) to produce a zygote, which will develop into a new individual. This happens in sexual reproduction.
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