This lecture covers the two modes of reproduction in eukaryotes: asexual and sexual. Asexual reproduction results in genetically identical offspring, while sexual reproduction involves the generation of gametes with half the ploidy of somatic cells. The lecture explains the process of meiosis, which leads to genetic diversity through allele recombination. It also delves into the comparison between mitotic cell division and meiosis, highlighting their distinct roles in genetic variation and cellular replication.