IGCSE Biology
2026 - 2028
Syllabus Checklist
Topic 16: Reproduction
1 Asexual Reproduction
Describe asexual reproduction
as producing genetically identical offspring from one parent.
Identify examples of asexual reproduction
in diagrams, images, and information provided.
Discuss advantages and disadvantages of asexual reproduction:
▪ To a population of a species in the wild.
▪ To crop production.
2 Sexual Reproduction
Describe sexual reproduction
as the fusion of the nuclei of two gametes forming a zygote
and producing genetically different offspring.
Describe fertilisation
as the fusion of the nuclei of gametes.
Sexual Reproduction in Plants
Identify and draw parts of an insect-pollinated flower: sepals, petals, stamens, filaments, anthers, carpels, style, stigma, ovary, ovules
.
State the functions of the structures listed above.
Identify and describe anthers
and stigmas
of a wind-pollinated flower.
Distinguish between pollen grains of insect-pollinated
and wind-pollinated
flowers.
Describe pollination
as the transfer of pollen grains from anther to stigma.
State that fertilisation
occurs when a pollen nucleus fuses with a nucleus in an ovule.
Describe structural adaptations of insect-
and wind-pollinated
flowers.
Investigate and describe conditions for seed germination
: water, oxygen, and suitable temperature.
Describe self-pollination
and cross-pollination
and their effects on variation and population adaptation.
Describe growth of the pollen tube
into the ovule followed by fertilisation.
3 Sexual Reproduction in Humans
Identify and state functions of male parts: testes, scrotum, sperm ducts, prostate gland, urethra, penis
.
Identify and state functions of female parts: ovaries, oviducts, uterus, cervix, vagina
.
Describe fertilisation
as fusion of the nuclei of sperm and egg.
Explain adaptive features of sperm
: flagellum, mitochondria, and enzymes in the acrosome.
Explain adaptive features of egg cells
: energy stores and jelly coat change at fertilisation.
Compare male and female gametes
in size, structure, motility, and numbers.
State that the zygote
forms an embryo
which implants into the uterus lining.
Identify and state functions of umbilical cord
, placenta
, amniotic sac
, and amniotic fluid
.
Describe the function of the placenta
and umbilical cord
in exchange of nutrients, gases, and wastes between mother and fetus.
State that some pathogens
and toxins
can cross the placenta and affect the fetus.
4 Sexual Hormones in Humans
Describe roles of testosterone
and oestrogen
in puberty and secondary sexual characteristics.
Describe the menstrual cycle
in terms of changes in the ovaries and uterine lining.
5 Sexually Transmitted Infections
Describe an STI
as an infection transmitted through sexual contact.
State that HIV
is a pathogen causing an STI.
State that HIV infection
may lead to AIDS
.
Describe methods of HIV transmission
.
Explain how the spread of STIs
is controlled.
Free Class
Videos, Notes & Solved Past Papers
