Reproduction is the process by which new organisms are generated.

It is the
mechanism of species continuation. There are two means of reproducing: asexual and
sexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction
The type of reproduction where cells from only one parent are used, is called
asexual. Only genetically-identical organisms are produced by this type of
reproduction. Evolutionary asexual reproduction came before sexual
reproduction.

Asexual reproduction in bacteria

Asexual reproduction is very common in microorganisms. Bacteria reproduce by

binary fission. During binary fission, the cell divides into two daughter cells that
are similar in size and shape.

Asexual reproduction in plants

Asexual reproduction in plants is also called vegetative reproduction. It usually

involves only the plant's vegetative structures like roots, stems and leaves. For
example, raspberries can produce a new generation using their stems; potatoes,
using their roots; and geraniums can be grown from any piece of a parent plant.
See image 1.

Sporulation
Some types of mould reproduce through sporulation. They produce reproductive
cells - spores - that are stored in special spore cases until they are ready to be
released. After they are released they will develop into new, individual organisms.
Bread mould reproduces by sporulation.

Asexual reproduction in animals

Some invertebrate animals (without a backbone) reproduce by asexual

reproduction. Animals can reproduce asexually in the following ways:

Budding
During budding, a new organism starts growing from the parent's body. At first it
looks like a bud. This bud later develops into a mature organism. Sometimes it
stays attached to the parent's body and sometimes it breaks off. Hydras reproduce
by budding. See image 2.

Gemmules
Gemmules are special structures that are found in sea sponges. A parent sponge
releases gemmules that later develop into mature sponges.

Regeneration
In the process of regeneration, detached pieces of the parent's body can develop
into a new organism if this body part contains enough genetic information. Some
flat worms and starfish can reproduce by regeneration.

Advantages and disadvantages of asexual

reproduction
Asexual reproduction works well for organisms that stay in one place. Because
they do not move, it is difficult for them to find a mating partner. Stable
environments are the best places for organisms that reproduce asexually. Asexual
reproduction is also much less time and energy consuming. Asexually-produced
generation does not have any genetic variations. That means that these organisms
will not have any 'material' for adapting to environmental changes. That is why
many asexually-reproducing organisms can reproduce sexually as well.

Sexual reproduction
During sexual reproduction, two gametes from both parents fuse, forming a
zygote. A zygote is also referred to as a fertilised egg. All gametes are haploid
cells, meaning they have only one set of chromosomes (1n). So, when gametes
fuse, they form a diploid organism: 1n+1n=2n.

Sexual reproduction in algae

The simplest form of sexual reproduction in algae is conjugation, in which two

similar organisms fuse, exchange genetic material and then break apart. Some
multicellular green algae undergo a process called alternation of generations.
During this process, generations of different types of organisms are produced:
haploid and diploid. Haploid generation reproduces sexually. It is followed by
diploid generation that reproduces asexually.

Sexual reproduction in flowering plants

Flowers contain both male and female parts. The female part is called the pistil,
which consists of the ovary, ovule, style and stigma at the tip. Inside the ovary are
the ovules. Each ovule contains an egg cell. The male structure is called the
stamen. It consists of the filament and the pollen-producing anther. A new seed is
formed when an egg cell joins with a pollen cell in the process of pollination.
Pollination occurs when pollen grains are carried from the anther of the stamen to
the stigma of the pistil. See image 3.

Sexual reproduction in animals

Animal male gamete is called spermatozoan or sperm. Sperm is a mobile cell that
moves using its 'tail', called flagellum. Female gamete is called an ovum. It does
not move and it is much larger than sperm.

Important Reproductive System Functions

Understanding the functions of the human reproductive system will become easier
once you know its anatomy in details. The functions of the internal organs are
completely different from the external organs. Listing each of its functions would
make it complex, and therefore, we have broadly classified the most important of
all the functions.
The ovaries produce eggs, that get fertilized by sperms. Sperms in males are
produced in the testes that also secrete the male sex hormone, testosterone. The
temperature of the testes is a bit lower than the body temperature, and this
phenomenon is regulated by the pouch like structure known as scrotum.After the
sperms are produced, they get transported to the vas deferens and then to the
ejaculatory ducts, which further carries them to the urethra for expulsion. The
urethra opens at the glans of the penis. During an act of intercourse, sperms are
discharged into the vagina and they swim to the eggs for fertilization. The vagina
is also known as the birth canal because the baby comes out from this opening
while performing a normal delivery.
One of the most important function of the female reproductive system is its role in
menstruation. Every month a woman prepares herself for potential pregnancy.
The uterus sets itself up for receiving the egg (formation of womb for
development and nourishment of baby), and if fertilization hasn't taken place, then
the uterine lining is shed every month in the form of blood that get dispelled
through the vagina. This cycle goes on till an average age of 45-50, after which
blood discharge stops and this phase is known as menopause.
The clitoris is extremely sensitive to touch and it is compared with penis because
both cause sexual arousal. It's a natural instinct endowed on every individual,
without which, mating between males and females is almost impossible. Thus, the
function of clitoris has also a significant role in reproductive system of females.
The functions of associated internal glands are extremely important since they
provide nourishment to the sperms and accentuate their motility. These two
functions are performed by the prostate gland and seminal vesicles, respectively.
Bulbourethral glands secrete a transparent slippery fluid, that neutralize the acidic
environment on top of the penis, and the fluid is discharged via the urethra.
Bartholin's glands produce a fluid that lubricates the vagina and it is secreted
mostly during sexual arousal.