Question

multiple choice question

which is false regarding binary fission?

• it leads to genetic variation.
• it is a type of asexual reproduction.
• binary fission occurs only once in the life of a single cell.
• daughter cells are identical to each other.

Explanation:

Analyze the nature of binary fission

Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction used by prokaryotes where a single parent cell replicates its genetic material and divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. Because it is asexual and involves copying a single circular chromosome without meiosis or fertilization, it does not inherently introduce genetic variation (excluding random mutations).

Evaluate the given statements

• "It leads to genetic variation": False. Binary fission produces genetically identical clones.
• "It is a type of asexual reproduction": True.
• "Binary fission occurs only once in the life of a single cell": True. Once a cell undergoes division, it splits into two new daughter cells; the original single cell ceases to exist as a single entity.
• "Daughter cells are identical to each other": True.

Answer:

• It leads to genetic variation. (Correct answer)
• It is a type of asexual reproduction.
• Binary fission occurs only once in the life of a single cell.
• Daughter cells are identical to each other.