Question

Binary fission occurs in
A. Amoeba
B. Paramecium
C. Bacteria
D. All of the above

Answer 1

Hint: Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction in which no gametes are required. Only a single parent can give rise to two daughter cells. The parent cell splits into two dividing its nucleus into two equal parts into two daughter cells. It is a means of reproduction in primitive or simple cells.

Complete answer: Sexual reproduction and asexual reproduction are both types of reproduction. It requires the fusion of two gametes from two different parents. On the other hand, in asexual reproduction, the fusion of gametes is not required. Asexual reproduction can be of various types. Binary fission is a mode of asexual reproduction.

Binary fission involves the splitting of the parent cell into two individual daughter cells. Each one of the daughter cells carries an equal part of the nucleus and protoplasm of the mother cell. It is the simplest mode of reproduction and is seen in primitive or simpler cells. Amoeba, Paramecium, and Bacteria all show binary fission. Binary fission originates through the replication of DNA. The next step involves the segregation of DNA. At last, the mother cell split into two. Binary fission is thought to be as old as 3 billion years old. Prokaryotes are simpler organisms and hence, most of them undergo binary fission. A few of the single-celled eukaryotes also perform binary fission.
Hence, the correct answer is option D.

Note: In multiple fissions, the mother cell divides into more than two daughter cells. Yeast is a eukaryotic organism that undergoes multiple fission. The resultant cells of binary fission are always identical to the mother cell and are called clones.