Is a form of asexual reproduction in unicellular organisms.
A cell cycle
B meiosis
C both
The correct answer and explanation is:
The correct answer is A. Cell cycle.
In unicellular organisms, asexual reproduction commonly occurs through a process linked to the cell cycle. The cell cycle consists of a series of stages that prepare the cell for division. During this cycle, the cell undergoes growth, DNA replication, and division to produce two identical daughter cells. This type of asexual reproduction is known as binary fission, where the organism divides into two equal parts, each containing a copy of the parent’s genetic material.
Meiosis, on the other hand, is a form of cell division that occurs in sexually reproducing organisms, not unicellular organisms that reproduce asexually. In meiosis, the number of chromosomes is halved to form gametes (sperm and eggs in animals, or pollen and ovules in plants). This process is essential for sexual reproduction, as it ensures that offspring inherit genetic material from two parents, maintaining genetic diversity.
The cell cycle involves stages such as G1 (growth), S (synthesis, where DNA is replicated), G2 (preparation for division), and M (mitosis, where cell division occurs). Unicellular organisms like bacteria and amoeba typically reproduce asexually by undergoing mitosis, which is part of the cell cycle. During mitosis, the cell’s nucleus divides, followed by the division of the cytoplasm, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.
In conclusion, the cell cycle plays a central role in the asexual reproduction of unicellular organisms, while meiosis is reserved for sexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.