| Present in |
All Eukaryotes |
Mostly observed in fungi e.g. Candida albicans |
| Formation of gametes |
Formation of specialized reproductive cells (gametes) with half the normal chromosome number |
No formation of gametes; genetic material is exchanged between cells without the formation of specialized structures |
| Fusion of Gametes |
Fusion of gametes (syngamy) to restore the full chromosome number |
Exchange of genetic material is achieved through cell-cell fusion or hyphal fusion |
| Variation |
Results in significant genetic variation and introduces new combinations of genes |
Results in genetic recombination but without the same level of variation as sexual reproduction |
| Formation of spores |
May involve the formation of specialized structures (spores) for dispersal |
Does not necessarily involve the formation of spores |
| Role in evolution |
Contributes to the long-term evolution of populations by creating diverse genotypes |
Facilitates genetic adaptation and survival without the need for the generation of sexual structures or gametes |
