Hypothesis
HOW DO ORGANISMS REPRODUCE
Reproduction is a
biological process by
which living
organisms produce
new individuals of
their own kind.
It is an essential life
process that ensures
the continuity of
Types of Reproduction
1. AsexualReproduction
In asexual reproduction, only one parent is involved.
There is no fusion of gametes (sperm & egg).
The offspring produced are genetically identical to the parent (clones)
Methods of Asexual Reproduction:
Binary Fission Amoeba, Bacteria Cell divides into two equal parts
Budding Yeast, Hydra A small bud grows on the parent body
and separates
Fragmentation Spirogyra Body splits into pieces, each piece grows
into new organism
Regeneration Planaria, Starfish Lost body parts can regrow into a
new organism
Spore Formation Fungi (Rhizopus), Ferns Spores germinate to
Sexual Reproduction
In sexual reproduction, two parents are involved.
There is fusion of male and female gametes (sperm + egg).
Offspring show variation and are genetically different from parents.
Seen in humans, animals, flowering plants
Steps:
1. Formation of gametes
2. Fertilization (fusion of sperm & egg)
3. Zygote formation
Sexual Reproduction in Plants
Sexual reproduction in plants is a process by
which male and female gametes (sex cells)
unite to form a zygote, which develops into a
new plant. It involves the production of
flowers, pollination, fertilization, seed
formation and fruit formation.
Pollination is the transfer of pollen grains from
anther to stigma.
Types:
Self-pollination – within the same flower or same
plant
Cross-pollination – between two different plants of
the same species (by wind, insects, water, animals,
humans)
Fertilization is the process in which the male gamete (from pollen
grain) fuses with the female gamete (egg cell) inside the ovule.
Steps of Fertilization
1. After pollination, pollen lands on stigma.
2. Pollen grain germinates and forms a pollen tube.
3. Pollen tube grows down through style to ovary.
4. Two male gametes travel through the tube:
One fuses with egg cell → forms zygote (this becomes embryo)
Other fuses with two polar nuclei → forms endosperm (food for
embryo)
Male Reproductive System
The male reproductive system is responsible for the production of
male gametes called sperms and the hormone testosterone, and for
delivering sperms into the female body during reproduction.
Testes (Testicles) Produce sperms and the male hormone
testosterone.
Scrotum A sac that holds the testes outside the body to
maintain a lower temperature for sperm production.
Epididymis Stores sperms temporarily and allows them to mature.
Vas deferens (Sperm duct) Tube that carries sperms from the
epididymis to the urethra.
Seminal vesicles Produce a sugary fluid that nourishes sperms.
Prostate gland Adds fluid that helps sperms move easily.
Urethra Common passage for urine and sperms (but not at the
same time).
Female Reproductive System
The female reproductive system is a
group of organs that work together to
produce female gametes (ova/eggs),
support fertilization, pregnancy, and
childbirth, and secrete female hormones.
The female reproductive system includes the
ovaries, Fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, accessory
glands, and external genital organs.
Events of fertilization
[Link] and egg meet
[Link] penetrates the egg
3. Fusion of sperm and egg
4. Formation of the zygote
5. Implantation
6. Embryogeny
7. Organogenesis
8. Parturation
9. Lactation
Birth control methods are techniques used to
prevent pregnancy. They help in family
planning and avoid unwanted pregnancies.
1. Natural method
2. Surgical method
3. Barrier method
4. Oral contraceptive