| 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 |
