Question

1. When a cell reproduces by mitosis and cytoplasmic division, does its life end?
2. The diploid chromosome number for the body cells of a frog is 26. What would that number be after three generations if meiosis did not occur prior to gamete formation? Explain your answer.
3. Why do you think that sexual reproduction tends to give rise to greater genetic diversity among offspring in fewer generations than asexual reproduction does?

Answer 1

1.Yes,parent cell loses it's identity after undergoing cell division.So,it's life got end.

2.The, number of chromosomes for each generation keeps on doubling and results in polyploidy.

   Parent generation (2n)=26. Gametes produced from parents have 26 chromosomes.

First generation individual will have 2n=52.Gametes produced by 1st generation contains 52 chromosomes.

Second generation individuals will have 2n=104.Gametes produced by 2nd generation contains 104 chromosomes.

Third generation individuals will have 2n=208.

After 3 generations means after 3 rounds of meiosis,So after three generations 2n for Frog is 208.

3.        Yes,sexual reproduction tends to give rise to greater genetic diversity among offspring in fewer generations than asexual reproduction.

           Because,during gamete formation by meiosis,chromosomes undergoes recombination with it's homologous pair.This results in exchange of alleles what they have,which results in different combinations ,thus achieving greater diversity.

           But,in asexual reproduction offsprings are exact copies of parents called as clones.They are formed by mitosis,so they are same as their parents.Genetic variation is observed when mutation happens by some external agent.Possibility of this is very low.So,genetic variation in asexual reprroduction is very low.