Question

(c) What is meant by multiple fission? Name one organism which reproduces by the process of multiple fission.

Answer 1

• In multiple fission, the parent organism splits (or divides) to form many new organisms at the same time
• Sometimes (particularly during unfavourable conditions), a cyst or protective wall is formed around the cell of a single-celled organism. Inside the cyst, the nucleus of cell splits (or divides) several times to form many smaller nuclei called daughter nuclei.
• In this way, many new daughter cells are formed from a single parent cell within the cyst.
• When the favourable conditions arrive, the cyst breaks open and the many daughter cells present in it are released, each forming a new organism
• In this way, a single celled parent undergoes multiple fission to produce many daughter cells at the same time.
• Plasmodium reproduces by multiple fission.