Binary fission is most commonly associated with which type of organism?

• A. Eukaryotes
• B. Viruses
• C. Prokaryotes
• D. Fungi

Answer: (C)

Binary fission is a simple asexual division typical of prokaryotes. In this process, a single circular chromosome is replicated, the cell grows, and the septum forms to split the cytoplasm and membrane, producing two genetically identical daughter cells. This mode of reproduction fits organisms lacking a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles, like bacteria and archaea. Eukaryotes, including fungi, divide by mitosis or meiosis (and can reproduce by spores or budding), not by binary fission. Viruses aren’t cells and don’t undergo cell division at all; they replicate by using a host’s machinery. So, binary fission is most closely associated with prokaryotes.