If there is a genetic mutation in the parent cell, would it be better to be able to reproduce asexually or sexually? Explain your answer.

Question

Micah Espinoza

Chemistry

5 January, 17:37

If there is a genetic mutation in the parent cell, would it be better to be able to reproduce asexually or sexually? Explain your answer.

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Answers (1)

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Enrique Stokes · Answer 1

Answer: The parent cell should reproduce sexually if there is a genetic mutation.

Explanation: Genetic mutation is the permanent change in the genetic material of the organisms.

In asexual reproduction, only 1 parent is involved and the DNA of the daughter nuclei will be the exact replica of the parent cell. So, if there is any genetic mutation in the parent cell, there are 100% chances that the genetic mutation will be in the daughter cell also.

But, in the case of sexual reproduction, 2 parents are involved and the DNA of the daughter nuclei will not have the exact copy that of the parent cell. During this mode of reproduction, there is a crossover of chromosomes of both the parents, so there are 50% chances of genetic mutation in the daughter cell.

Hence, sexual mode of reproduction is better, if there is a genetic mutation in the parent cell.