Which form of asexual reproduction involves one cell dividing to form two identical cells?

• A. Binary fission
• B. Mitosis
• C. Fragmentation
• D. Budding

Answer: (A)

The key idea here is how a single cell can produce two identical offspring through division. Binary fission is exactly that: a single cell copies its DNA, grows, and then splits into two equal, genetically identical daughter cells. This straightforward division is typical of prokaryotes like bacteria, which lack a nucleus and use simple cellular splitting rather than the complex mitotic process.

Mitosis also creates two cells, but it occurs in eukaryotic cells with a nucleus and spindle apparatus, making it a more complex form of cell division. Fragmentation and budding are different routes to new individuals: fragmentation involves parts of the organism breaking off to grow into new individuals, while budding starts with a small outgrowth that eventually develops into a separate organism.