Which description correctly defines binary fission?

• A. Sexual reproduction involving exchange of DNA between cells
• B. A form of asexual reproduction in which one cell divides into two equal-sized cells
• C. A form of asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms by which one cell divides into two cells of the same size
• D. Budding

Answer: (C)

Binary fission is an asexual reproduction method used by single-celled organisms where one cell copies its DNA and splits into two daughter cells that are essentially the same size. There’s no exchange of genetic material, so the offspring are genetically identical to the parent aside from any mutations. This distinguishes it from sexual reproduction, which involves DNA exchange, and from budding, where a new organism grows out from the parent and may start smaller. The description that specifies single-celled organisms and two cells of the same size best captures what binary fission is.