What is the process called when a cell reproduces without outside involvement?

The process by which a cell reproduces without outside involvement is known as asexual reproduction. This type of reproduction allows a single organism or cell to produce offspring that are genetically identical to itself, as there is no need for a mate or external genetic material. Asexual reproduction occurs through mechanisms such as binary fission, budding, or vegetative reproduction, commonly found in various organisms including bacteria, single-celled eukaryotes, and certain plants.

In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two different parents, leading to offspring that are genetically diverse. Cross-fertilization is a specific instance of sexual reproduction where gametes from two different individuals fuse to create a new organism. Genome duplication, while an important biological process, refers specifically to the copying of the organism's DNA prior to cell division, and does not by itself describe the completion of reproduction.