Reproduction and types of reproduction in plants and animals Notes and Mcq
(Home Academy – General science Biology Exam Notes)
Definition of Reproduction
Reproduction is the biological process by which living organisms produce new individuals of the same species, ensuring continuity of life on Earth.
Why Reproduction is Important
• Maintains species continuity
• Transfers genetic information
• Produces variation and evolution
• Prevents extinction
TYPES OF REPRODUCTION
Reproduction is broadly classified into two main types:
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ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
Asexual reproduction is the formation of a new individual from a single parent without gamete formation or fertilization.
Key Features (Exam Focus)
• Only one parent
• No fertilization
• Offspring are genetically identical (clones)
• Rapid method of reproduction
TYPES OF ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION
1. Fission
The parent body divides into two or more individuals.
(a) Binary Fission
Parent divides into two equal parts.
| Organism | Type |
|---|---|
| Amoeba | Simple binary fission |
| Paramecium | Transverse binary fission |
| Leishmania | Longitudinal binary fission |
⭐ Exam Tip: Binary fission is common in unicellular organisms.
(b) Multiple Fission
The parent divides into many daughter cells at once.
| Organism | Example |
|---|---|
| Plasmodium | Causes malaria |
2. Budding
A small outgrowth (bud) develops on the parent and later detaches.
| Organism | Example |
|---|---|
| Hydra | Animal |
| Yeast | Fungus |
⭐ Important: Bud remains attached temporarily and grows by mitosis.
3. Fragmentation
The parent body breaks into fragments, each developing into a new organism.
| Organism | Example |
|---|---|
| Spirogyra | Algae |
4. Regeneration
Ability to regrow lost body parts, sometimes forming a new organism.
| Organism | Example |
|---|---|
| Planaria | Flatworm |
| Starfish | Echinoderm |
⭐ Exam Alert: Regeneration involves specialized cells.
5. Spore Formation
Reproduction through microscopic spores under unfavorable conditions.
| Organism | Example |
|---|---|
| Rhizopus | Bread mould |
| Mucor | Fungus |
6. Vegetative Propagation (Plants)
New plants arise from vegetative parts like root, stem, or leaf.
Natural Methods
| Plant | Part Used |
|---|---|
| Potato | Stem (eye) |
| Onion | Bulb |
| Ginger | Rhizome |
| Bryophyllum | Leaf |
Artificial Methods
| Method | Example |
|---|---|
| Cutting | Rose |
| Layering | Jasmine |
| Grafting | Mango |
| Tissue Culture | Banana, Orchid |
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⭐ Very Important for Exams: Tissue culture produces disease-free plants.
| Type of Asexual Reproduction | Brief Explanation | Common Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Binary Fission | One parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells | Amoeba, Paramecium |
| Multiple Fission | Parent divides into many daughter cells at the same time | Plasmodium |
| Budding | A small outgrowth (bud) develops on parent and detaches | Hydra, Yeast |
| Fragmentation | Parent body breaks into fragments, each grows into new organism | Spirogyra |
| Regeneration | Ability to regrow lost body parts and sometimes form a new organism | Planaria, Starfish |
| Spore Formation | Reproduction through microscopic spores under unfavorable conditions | Rhizopus, Mucor |
| Vegetative Propagation | New plant grows from root, stem or leaf of parent plant | Potato, Ginger, Bryophyllum |
| Tissue Culture | New plants grown from small tissue in nutrient medium (artificial method) | Banana, Orchid |
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION
Sexual reproduction involves two parents, formation of male and female gametes, and fertilization.
Key Features
• Two parents involved
• Gamete formation
• Fertilization occurs
• Genetic variation present
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PLANTS
Parts of a Flower
| Part | Function |
|---|---|
| Stamen | Male reproductive part |
| Anther | Produces pollen |
| Pistil / Carpel | Female reproductive part |
| Ovary | Contains ovules |
Pollination
Transfer of pollen from anther to stigma.
| Type | Agent |
|---|---|
| Self-pollination | Same flower |
| Cross-pollination | Insects, wind, water |
Fertilization in Plants
Fusion of male gamete and female gamete forming zygote.
⭐ After fertilization:
• Ovule → Seed
• Ovary → Fruit
Sexual Reproduction in Plants – Steps
Sexual reproduction in plants occurs mainly in flowering plants (angiosperms) and involves formation of gametes, pollination, fertilization, and seed formation.
Step 1: Formation of Flower (Reproductive Organs)
The flower is the reproductive organ of plants.
| Part of Flower | Function |
|---|---|
| Stamen (Anther + Filament) | Male reproductive part |
| Anther | Produces pollen grains (male gametes) |
| Pistil / Carpel | Female reproductive part |
| Ovary | Contains ovules (female gametes) |
⭐ Exam Point: Pollen grains carry male gametes.
Step 2: Pollination
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma of a flower.
Types of Pollination
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Self-pollination | Pollen reaches stigma of the same flower |
| Cross-pollination | Pollen reaches stigma of another flower |
Agents of Pollination
• Wind
• Water
• Insects
• Birds
⭐ MCQ Alert: Pollination ≠ Fertilization
Step 3: Germination of Pollen Grain
After pollination:
• Pollen grain lands on stigma
• Pollen tube is formed
• Male gametes move through pollen tube
⭐ Important: Pollen tube grows towards the ovule.
Step 4: Fertilization
Fertilization is the fusion of male gamete with female gamete inside the ovule.
• Male gamete + Egg → Zygote
⭐ Very Important (Exam):
In flowering plants, double fertilization occurs.
Step 5: Double Fertilization (Angiosperms Only)
| Fusion | Result |
|---|---|
| One male gamete + Egg | Zygote |
| Second male gamete + Polar nuclei | Endosperm |
⭐ Unique Feature: Double fertilization occurs only in flowering plants.
Step 6: Development of Seed and Fruit
After fertilization:
| Structure | Develops Into |
|---|---|
| Zygote | Embryo |
| Ovule | Seed |
| Ovary | Fruit |
Step 7: Seed Germination
Under favorable conditions (water, air, temperature):
• Seed germinates
• New plant is formed
⭐ Exam Focus: Seed ensures dispersal and survival.
FLOW CHART (For Quick Revision)
Flower formation → Pollination → Pollen tube formation → Fertilization → Seed & fruit formation → Germination
MOST IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS (Home Academy)
✔ Flower is the reproductive organ
✔ Pollination precedes fertilization
✔ Fertilization occurs inside ovule
✔ Double fertilization is unique to angiosperms
✔ Ovule becomes seed, ovary becomes fruit
SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN ANIMALS
Human Reproductive System
| System | Major Organs |
|---|---|
| Male | Testes, sperm duct, penis |
| Female | Ovary, oviduct, uterus |
Fertilization in Animals
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| External fertilization | Frog, Fish |
| Internal fertilization | Human, Dog, Cow |
Development in Humans
Zygote → Embryo → Foetus → Baby
⭐ Important Hormones (Exam Focus):
• Testosterone – Male
• Estrogen – Female
• Progesterone – Pregnancy
Sexual Reproduction in Animals – Steps
(Home Academy Exam Notes)
Sexual reproduction in animals involves formation of male and female gametes, fertilization, development, and birth of young ones.
Step 1: Formation of Gametes (Gametogenesis)
Special reproductive organs produce gametes.
| Animal | Male Gamete | Female Gamete |
|---|---|---|
| Animals | Sperm | Ovum (Egg) |
• Gametes are formed by meiosis
• Gametes are haploid (n)
⭐ Exam Point: Meiosis reduces chromosome number by half.
Step 2: Transfer of Gametes
Male gamete reaches female gamete.
| Type | Example |
|---|---|
| External fertilization | Fish, Frog |
| Internal fertilization | Human, Dog, Cow |
⭐ MCQ Alert: External fertilization requires water medium.
Step 3: Fertilization
Fertilization is the fusion of male gamete (sperm) and female gamete (ovum).
• Sperm + Ovum → Zygote (2n)
⭐ Exam Focus: Fertilization restores diploid number.
Step 4: Development of Zygote
Zygote undergoes mitotic divisions.
• Zygote → Embryo
• Embryo implants in uterus (in mammals)
⭐ Important: Implantation occurs in uterine wall.
Step 5: Development of Embryo into Foetus
• Embryo differentiates into organs
• It is called foetus after organ formation
⭐ Exam Point: Placenta provides nutrition and oxygen.
Step 6: Birth of Young One
| Type of Animal | Mode of Birth |
|---|---|
| Viviparous | Give birth to young ones (Human, Cow) |
| Oviparous | Lay eggs (Birds, Reptiles) |
FLOW CHART (Quick Revision)
Gamete formation → Fertilization → Zygote → Embryo → Foetus → Birth
IMPORTANT HORMONES (Exam Focus)
| Hormone | Function |
|---|---|
| Testosterone | Male reproductive hormone |
| Estrogen | Female reproductive hormone |
| Progesterone | Maintains pregnancy |
MOST IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS (Home Academy)
✔ Sexual reproduction involves two parents
✔ Gametes are formed by meiosis
✔ Fertilization forms zygote
✔ Internal fertilization common in mammals
✔ Sexual reproduction produces variation
MOST IMPORTANT EXAM POINTS (HIGHLIGHT)
✔ Binary fission occurs in Amoeba
✔ Budding is seen in Hydra and Yeast
✔ Vegetative propagation is asexual reproduction in plants
✔ Fertilization forms zygote
✔ Sexual reproduction causes variation and evolution
✔ Tissue culture is also called micropropagation
MCQ QUESTION
Which type of reproduction involves only one parent and no gamete formation?
A. Sexual reproduction
B. External fertilization
C. Asexual reproduction
D. Internal fertilization
Answer: CBinary fission is commonly seen in
A. Hydra
B. Amoeba
C. Frog
D. Human
Answer: BWhich organism reproduces by budding?
A. Spirogyra
B. Planaria
C. Hydra
D. Plasmodium
Answer: CMultiple fission occurs in
A. Amoeba
B. Yeast
C. Plasmodium
D. Hydra
Answer: CVegetative propagation is a type of
A. Sexual reproduction
B. Artificial fertilization
C. Asexual reproduction
D. Pollination
Answer: CWhich structure in flowering plants produces pollen grains?
A. Ovary
B. Stigma
C. Anther
D. Style
Answer: CTransfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma is called
A. Fertilization
B. Germination
C. Pollination
D. Reproduction
Answer: CFusion of male and female gametes is known as
A. Pollination
B. Fertilization
C. Fragmentation
D. Regeneration
Answer: BWhich of the following is a unique feature of sexual reproduction?
A. Rapid multiplication
B. Formation of spores
C. Genetic variation
D. Single parent
Answer: CExternal fertilization is commonly seen in
A. Human
B. Cow
C. Frog
D. Dog
Answer: CWhich cell division occurs during gamete formation?
A. Mitosis
B. Binary fission
C. Meiosis
D. Fragmentation
Answer: CRegeneration is best shown by
A. Amoeba
B. Planaria
C. Yeast
D. Plasmodium
Answer: BIn flowering plants, double fertilization results in formation of
A. Two zygotes
B. Zygote and endosperm
C. Two embryos
D. Seed coat only
Answer: BWhich of the following reproduces by fragmentation?
A. Hydra
B. Spirogyra
C. Yeast
D. Paramecium
Answer: BWhich structure develops into fruit after fertilization in plants?
A. Ovule
B. Zygote
C. Ovary
D. Embryo
Answer: CSexual reproduction helps in evolution because it
A. Is faster
B. Needs one parent
C. Produces variation
D. Requires less energy
Answer: CTissue culture is mainly used to produce
A. Hybrid animals
B. Disease-free plants
C. Genetically modified humans
D. Spores
Answer: BWhich of the following is a viviparous animal?
A. Frog
B. Snake
C. Hen
D. Human
Answer: DZygote is formed after
A. Pollination
B. Budding
C. Fertilization
D. Regeneration
Answer: CAsexual reproduction is most common in
A. Multicellular animals
B. Flowering plants
C. Unicellular organisms
D. Mammals
Answer: C
PYQ-Based MCQs (2016–2018)
Which of the following organisms reproduces by binary fission? (SSC 2016)
A. Hydra
B. Amoeba
C. Spirogyra
D. Yeast
Answer: BBudding is a type of asexual reproduction seen in (CTET 2017)
A. Frog
B. Planaria
C. Hydra
D. Plasmodium
Answer: CFragmentation is commonly observed in (SSC 2018)
A. Amoeba
B. Yeast
C. Spirogyra
D. Paramecium
Answer: C
PYQ-Based MCQs (2019–2020)
Which process involves fusion of male and female gametes? (SSC 2019)
A. Pollination
B. Fertilization
C. Budding
D. Regeneration
Answer: BIn flowering plants, pollen grains are produced in the (CTET 2019)
A. Ovary
B. Stigma
C. Anther
D. Style
Answer: CExternal fertilization generally occurs in (State PSC 2020)
A. Birds
B. Mammals
C. Amphibians
D. Reptiles
Answer: C
PYQ-Based MCQs (2021–2022)
Which of the following is a characteristic of asexual reproduction? (SSC 2021)
A. Formation of gametes
B. Genetic variation
C. Two parents involved
D. Offspring identical to parent
Answer: DMeiosis occurs during (NEET 2021)
A. Growth of zygote
B. Regeneration
C. Gamete formation
D. Bud formation
Answer: CDouble fertilization is a characteristic feature of (NEET 2022)
A. Algae
B. Bryophytes
C. Gymnosperms
D. Angiosperms
Answer: D
PYQ-Based MCQs (2023)
Which structure develops into seed after fertilization? (SSC 2023)
A. Ovary
B. Ovule
C. Zygote
D. Embryo
Answer: BTissue culture is used mainly for (State PSC 2023)
A. Producing hybrids
B. Increasing genetic variation
C. Rapid multiplication of disease-free plants
D. Sexual reproduction
Answer: CWhich of the following reproduces by multiple fission? (JKSSB 2023)
A. Amoeba
B. Hydra
C. Yeast
D. Plasmodium
Answer: D
PYQ-Based MCQs (2024–2025 Latest Trend)
Sexual reproduction is important because it (SSC 2024)
A. Requires less energy
B. Occurs rapidly
C. Produces genetic variation
D. Needs only one parent
Answer: CRegeneration is best explained in (NEET 2024)
A. Frog
B. Starfish
C. Bird
D. Cow
Answer: BWhich type of reproduction helps in evolution of species? (CTET 2025)
A. Vegetative propagation
B. Fragmentation
C. Asexual reproduction
D. Sexual reproduction
Answer: D