During asexual reproduction, an organism inherits all of its chromosomes from a single parent.
Prokaryotic cells reproduce by a method called fission. Fission allows a prokaryotic cell to divide into two genetically identical cells. When prokaryotic DNA is duplicated, both copes attach to the plasma membrane. As the plasma membrane grows, the attached DNA molecules are pulled apart. The cell completes fission by producing two new prokaryotic cells that are genetically identical.
Some organisms are able to reproduce through budding. In this process a bud, or offspring, that is identical to its parent grows through mitosis on the body of its parent. When it becomes large enough its able to break off and live on its own, or sometimes remain attached a form a colony. Yeast, hydra, and cactus are all able to reproduce through budding.
The last type of asexual reproduction we'll discuss is vegetative propagation. Here, identical offspring grow from parts of a plant. Sometimes the parent plant send out runners, which are like long stems, and a new offspring grows at the end and is able to grow roots if it touches down to soil. Strawberries and potatoes are just two examples of the many plants that can do this.
There are advantages to asexual reproduction:
There are also some disadvantages: