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IGCSE · Cambridge (CIE) · 0973

Identify strawberry runner daughter plants

Trace a vegetative stem from a parent to a new rooted plant.

Section B15.1 · Asexual reproduction

Asexual reproduction · Cambridge IGCSE 0973 · B15.1
Exam scope and assessment notes

Mapped to the named 0973 section using teaching from the corresponding single-science course. A 0973-specific review of every Core and Supplement objective is still in progress. Written practice is self-checked; it does not demonstrate supervised laboratory competence or award an official Cambridge grade. This qualification reports two grades on the 9–1 scale; confirm the entry route for your zone and exam series.

Before you begin

  • Recall cells, DNA, inherited characteristics and the distinction between growth of an organism and production of offspring.

Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.

Quick readiness check

What is the strawberry runner in this diagram?

What you will learn

  • Locate the runner, node and daughter plant
  • Distinguish a runner from a root or seed

Identify strawberry runner daughter plants

The labelled original diagram separates a horizontal runner stem from roots beneath a daughter node. Genotype is inferred from the supplied no-mutation copying history, not leaf appearance.Parent and rooted daughter · diagramParent rootsDaughter rootsRunner = horizontal stemDaughter develops at a node
The labelled original diagram separates a horizontal runner stem from roots beneath a daughter node. Genotype is inferred from the supplied no-mutation copying history, not leaf appearance. Original teaching model.
Asexual reproduction model reference
FeatureMeaning
RunnerHorizontal vegetative stem
NodeSite of daughter shoot and root development
IndependenceRooted daughter can continue under suitable conditions
Event scopeThe same plant can also have a separate sexual route

Locate the runner, node and daughter plant

A strawberry runner is a horizontal stem extending from a parent plant. At a node, a daughter plant can develop leaves and roots, eventually becoming capable of independent growth. The new plant arises from vegetative material of one parent without fusion of gamete nuclei in this event. It is an example of natural asexual reproduction.

Trace the connection in the diagram: parent plant, horizontal runner stem, daughter shoot at a node and daughter roots below. The runner itself is a stem, not the same structure as the roots that grow from the node. A photograph may show only part of that route. Say which structures are visible and use the supplied caption rather than claiming unseen roots are proved.

Distinguish a runner from a root or seed

Once rooted, a daughter can be separated from the parent connection in a horticultural record and continue growing under suitable conditions. Rooting and independence are distinct from simply seeing a long stem. A horizontal stem without a daughter plant does not by itself show successful production of an independent offspring.

A strawberry plant can also produce flowers, fruit and seeds through a different reproductive route. The presence of a runner in one record does not prove that the species never reproduces sexually. Classify the particular event shown. In the no-mutation runner model, the daughter shares its parent’s genotype even if its age, size or growing conditions differ.

Sources for this lesson

Pause and explain

Which feature best supports a developed runner daughter?

Put the idea to work

Worked example

A diagram shows a parent linked by a horizontal stem to a node with leaves and roots. Identify the reproduction method.

Show the worked solution
  1. Trace the runner stem from the parent.
  2. Identify the rooted daughter at its node.

Answer Vegetative asexual reproduction by a runner; the node develops a daughter plant.

Try a topic test

Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.

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From guided practice to a new situation

Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.

1 · Guided

Identify the runner and the daughter roots in the supplied diagram.

Give me a hint

Separate the horizontal connection from structures below the node.

Compare my reasoning
  1. The runner is the horizontal stem.
  2. Roots grow below the daughter node.

Runner: horizontal stem from the parent. Daughter roots: structures growing below the new plant’s node.

Look for these in your work

  • Identify the stem connection
  • Distinguish daughter roots
2 · Independent

Explain why a rooted runner daughter is an asexual offspring in the supplied model.

Give me a hint

Use origin and genetic-copying information.

Compare my reasoning
  1. It develops from one parent’s vegetative stem.
  2. No gamete fusion occurs in the runner event.

It develops from one parent’s vegetative material without gamete fusion, producing a genetically identical daughter in the no-mutation model.

Look for these in your work

  • State one vegetative parent
  • Link copying to offspring
3 · Transfer

A strawberry plant has both runners and flowers. Must every offspring shown be asexual?

Give me a hint

Classify the particular reproductive event.

Compare my reasoning
  1. The runner event is vegetative and asexual.
  2. A separate fertilised-seed event uses a different mechanism.

No. A runner daughter is asexual in this record, while offspring from a supplied fertilised-seed event arise sexually. The species label alone does not classify every event.

Look for these in your work

  • Separate the events
  • Avoid an absolute species-wide claim

Common mistakes

  • Calling the runner a root.
  • Assuming the species can never also produce seeds.
Recall without your notes

What can you explain now?

Which feature best supports a developed runner daughter?

Compare with the explanation

A node with its own shoot and roots

It can develop into an independent plant.

After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.

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Make it stick

Trace a runner from parent to daughter and distinguish the runner stem from the daughter roots.

If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.

Keep learning Sciences — Co-ordinated (9-1)

Course scope and assessment

This 9–1 pathway maps all 152 detailed subject-content sections in the published 0973 syllabus for exams in 2028 and 2029. The course map follows the same 2028–2029 section codes as Cambridge's A*–G 0654 syllabus, while keeping 0973's grading and entry rules separate. It adapts lessons from the related single-science courses and excludes clear single-science-only topics. A 0973-specific objective-by-objective review, Core/Supplement audit, human subject-teacher review, supervised laboratory experience and cumulative assessment remain in progress. Written practice is self-checked and does not predict an official grade. The separate 2025–2027 syllabus has not been reconciled here. Cambridge lists 0973 only in a limited number of administrative zones: June in zone 3 and centres in Oman and the UAE; November in zone 3 only. Confirm entry with your centre.

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