Question

The ability of a cell to divide into several cells during reproduction in Plasmodium is called

• A. Budding
• B. Reduction division
• C. Binary fission
• D. Multiple fission

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Multiple fission

The correct option is option D.

Explanation of correct option:

1. Plasmodium reproduces asexually in humans after feeding on red blood cells, a process known as schizogony or multiple fission.
2. Plasmodium divides into numerous cells during multiple fission.
3. Multiple fission is an adaptive characteristic of Plasmodium that allows it to produce more Plasmodium while also secreting a hard structure to protect its gametes from unfavorable conditions such as stomach acid.

Explanation of incorrect options:

Option A:

1. The production of an extension (bud) from an organism is known as budding.
2. The bud has the ability to grow into a new individual.
3. Example- Hydra.

Option B:

1. Meiosis is also known as the reductional division.
2. The number of chromosomes is reduced to half from 46 to haploid in meiosis (23 chromosomes).
3. It commonly occurs in germ cells to produce haploid gametes.

Option C:

1. Binary fission is an asexual reproduction method.
2. In this type of division, the parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
3. Each daughter cell is capable of growing to the size of the parent cell.
4. Example- Amoeba.

Final answer: The ability of a cell to divide into several cells during reproduction in plasmodium is called multiple fission.