The exchange of genetic material takes place in sexual reproduction. In sexual reproduction, two gametes (sperm and egg) from different parents fuse, combining their genetic material to create a new organism with unique genetic information. Asexual reproduction, vegetative reproduction, and budding, on the other hand, do not involve the fusion of gametes and therefore do not involve the exchange of genetic material.
Key points about the options:
a) Vegetative reproduction:
This is a form of asexual reproduction where new plants grow from parts of the parent plant, like stems or roots. It does not involve the fusion of gametes, so there is no exchange of genetic material.
b) Asexual reproduction:
Asexual reproduction, in general, involves one parent producing offspring that are genetically identical to itself. This includes methods like budding and binary fission, which do not involve the exchange of genetic material.
c) Sexual reproduction:
This is the only option where the exchange of genetic material takes place. During fertilization, the fusion of haploid gametes (sperm and egg) creates a diploid zygote with a mix of genetic material from both parents.
d) Budding:
This is a form of asexual reproduction where a new organism develops from a bud or outgrowth of the parent organism. It also does not involve the exchange of genetic material.