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Question

Some protists can undergo either binary fission or conjugation for their reproduction. One such example is

A
Amoeba
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B
Paramecium
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C
Euglena
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D
Monocystis
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Solution

The correct option is D Paramecium
Similar to other ciliates, Paramecium too reproduces asexually by transversely splitting into two cells along the middle of the long axis of the parent cell. The macronucleus does not divide by mitosis, rather it elongates and then splits in two with roughly one half going to the each of the new daughter cells. There is no exchange of genetic material in this process and is thus, termed as binary fission.
However, under environmental stress, the Paramecium reproduces sexually. The exchange of genetic material takes place between two different 'mating strains' through the process of conjugation, where two parents attach side by side and then fuse together by forming protoplasmic bridge across their oral grooves. In each parent, all micronuclei disintegrate except one that divides meiotically into four, of which one is exchanged during conjugation.
Thus, the correct answer is option (B).

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