asexual reproduction: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumTechnical / Scientific / Academic
Quick answer
What does “asexual reproduction” mean?
A biological process where a single parent organism produces genetically identical offspring without the fusion of gametes (sex cells).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A biological process where a single parent organism produces genetically identical offspring without the fusion of gametes (sex cells).
Any method of propagation or creation of new entities in biological, computational, or metaphorical contexts that does not involve combining elements from two distinct sources, resulting in replication rather than novel combination.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or semantic differences. Spelling follows local conventions (e.g., 'organise' vs. 'organize' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general discourse but standard in biological education and literature in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “asexual reproduction” in a Sentence
[Organism] undergoes asexual reproduction.Asexual reproduction results in [outcome].[Process] is a type of asexual reproduction.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asexual reproduction” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hydra can asexually reproduce by budding.
- These organisms primarily reproduce asexually.
American English
- The bacterium asexually reproduces through fission.
- Many plants reproduce asexually via runners.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
[Rare. Potentially in biotech contexts: 'The company utilises a form of asexual reproduction for rapid strain cultivation.']
Academic
Standard in biology textbooks and papers: 'The study compared mutation rates in populations maintained by asexual reproduction versus sexual reproduction.'
Everyday
Limited to educational contexts: 'We learned that a starfish can regenerate through asexual reproduction.'
Technical
Precise biological descriptor: 'Apomixis is a form of asexual reproduction that mimics sexual reproduction but produces maternal clones.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asexual reproduction”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asexual reproduction”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asexual reproduction”
- Confusing it with 'sexual reproduction'.
- Using 'asexual' in this context to refer to people.
- Misspelling as 'asexual reproducion' or 'asexual reproducction'.
- Incorrect stress: /ˈæsɛkʃuəl/ instead of /eɪˈsɛkʃuəl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In a broad biological sense, yes; both produce genetically identical copies. 'Cloning' is often used for artificial laboratory techniques, while 'asexual reproduction' describes natural biological processes.
No. Humans reproduce sexually, requiring genetic material from two parents. The term 'asexual' in human identity (asexuality) is unrelated to this biological process.
Common types include binary fission (bacteria), budding (yeast, hydra), vegetative propagation (plants via runners, tubers), fragmentation (starfish), and parthenogenesis (some insects, reptiles).
It is advantageous in stable environments because it is rapid, energy-efficient, doesn't require finding a mate, and preserves successful genetic combinations.
A biological process where a single parent organism produces genetically identical offspring without the fusion of gametes (sex cells).
Asexual reproduction is usually technical / scientific / academic in register.
Asexual reproduction: in British English it is pronounced /eɪˈsɛkʃuəl ˌriːprəˈdʌkʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /eɪˈsɛkʃuəl ˌriprəˈdʌkʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated. The term is technical.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A-' meaning 'without' + 'sexual'. Reproduction 'without sex'. A single actor making a perfect copy, like using a photocopier ('a-sexual' copier).
Conceptual Metaphor
REPRODUCTION IS COPYING (asexual) vs. REPRODUCTION IS BLENDING (sexual).
Practice
Quiz
What is a primary disadvantage of asexual reproduction?