Question

Open the Notebook tool (G), and

review your answer to this question
from the Warm-Up:
Nancy observed that her plant
reproduced when she cut off a
leaf and planted it. Over time, the
leaf grew into a full-grown plant.
How is this offspring plant
different from a plant that
reproduces when one plant
pollinates another?
Using what you've learned so far
about reproduction, can you write a
better answer?

Answer 1

A plant reproduced from a cut leaf is genetically identical to the parent plant, whereas a plant that reproduces through pollination has genetic variation from both parent plants.

Step-by-step explanation:

The offspring plant that is reproduced from a cut leaf and planted by Nancy is an example of asexual reproduction. In asexual reproduction, a single parent produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent. This means that the new plant will have the exact same characteristics and traits as the parent plant.

On the other hand, when one plant pollinates another, it involves sexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction, the pollen from one plant fertilizes the ovule of another plant. This process leads to the formation of genetically diverse offspring that inherit traits from both parent plants. The offspring plants will have variations in their characteristics compared to the parent plants.

So, the main difference between the offspring plant from a cut leaf and a plant that reproduces through pollination is that the former is genetically identical to the parent plant, whereas the latter has genetic variation due to the contribution of genetic material from both parent plants.

Learn more about Plant reproduction