Home / iGCSE Biology (0610)-16.1 Asexual reproduction – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

iGCSE Biology (0610)-16.1 Asexual reproduction – iGCSE Style Questions Paper 2

IGCSE Biology (0610) Practice Questions Paper 2 - All Chapters

Question

The diagram shows reproduction in a potato plant. Potato $X$ was planted into the ground and a plant grew from it. The plant then produced potato $Y$.

Which statement is correct?

(A) $X$ and $Y$ are genetically different.
(B) $Y$ was produced by asexual reproduction.
(C) $Y$ was produced by sexual reproduction.
(D) $Y$ was produced by the fusion of gametes.
▶️ Answer/Explanation
The diagram illustrates vegetative propagation, a form of asexual reproduction. Potato $X$ is a stem tuber that acts as the parent storage organ. Because $Y$ develops from the lateral buds (eyes) of $X$ through mitosis without the involvement of flowers, seeds, or the fusion of gametes, it is a clone of the parent. Consequently, $X$ and $Y$ are genetically identical rather than different. This process allows the plant to spread rapidly in favorable conditions without the biological “cost” of sexual reproduction.
✅ Answer: (B)

Question

Phagocytes and neurones are two types of specialised cell.

Which statements are correct?

$1$ Phagocytes and neurones express the same genes.
$2$ Both types of cell have the same genes.
$3$ Both types of cell only express the genes that make the proteins needed for the cell to function.
(A) $1$ and $2$
(B) $1$ and $3$
(C) $2$ and $3$
(D) $2$ only
▶️ Answer/Explanation

Statement $2$ is correct because almost all cells in an organism are derived from the same zygote via mitosis, meaning they contain the exact same genome. Statement $3$ is also correct because cell differentiation is achieved through selective gene expression; cells only “switch on” the specific genes required for their specialized roles. Statement $1$ is incorrect because if phagocytes and neurones expressed the same genes, they would produce the same proteins and look/function identically, which they do not. Therefore, only statements $2$ and $3$ are true.

✅ Answer: (C)

Question

What are the characteristics of asexual reproduction?

▶️ Answer/Explanation

Asexual reproduction involves a single parent and does not require the fusion of gametes (fertilization), so the answer for the first column is no. Since there is no mixing of genetic material from two different parents, the offspring are genetically identical to the parent and to each other (clones). Therefore, there is no genetic variety in the offspring, making the answer for the second column no. This biological process typically relies on mitosis to ensure the DNA is replicated exactly. Only sexual reproduction involves the fusion of nuclei and results in genetic variation.

✅ Answer: (D)

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