Which process is a simple form of asexual reproduction where a single cell divides to form two identical daughter cells?

Which process is a simple form of asexual reproduction where a single cell divides to form two identical daughter cells?

• A. Binary fission
• B. Interphase
• C. Meiosis
• D. Mitosis

Answer: (A)

Binary fission is the simplest way a single-celled organism reproduces asexually. In this process, the cell copies its DNA, grows to about double its size, and then splits into two genetically identical daughter cells. There’s no exchange or recombination of genetic material, so the offspring are essentially clones of the parent (aside from rare mutations). Interphase is just a stage of the cell cycle where growth and DNA replication occur, not a reproductive event. Meiosis is a division that creates gametes with half the number of chromosomes and promotes genetic variation, so the offspring aren’t identical. Mitosis also produces two genetically identical cells, but it’s a general cell-division mechanism used for growth and tissue maintenance in multicellular organisms, not the straightforward, single-cell to two-cell reproduction typical of binary fission.

Binary fission is the simplest way a single-celled organism reproduces asexually. In this process, the cell copies its DNA, grows to about double its size, and then splits into two genetically identical daughter cells. There’s no exchange or recombination of genetic material, so the offspring are essentially clones of the parent (aside from rare mutations).

Interphase is just a stage of the cell cycle where growth and DNA replication occur, not a reproductive event. Meiosis is a division that creates gametes with half the number of chromosomes and promotes genetic variation, so the offspring aren’t identical. Mitosis also produces two genetically identical cells, but it’s a general cell-division mechanism used for growth and tissue maintenance in multicellular organisms, not the straightforward, single-cell to two-cell reproduction typical of binary fission.