Question

Which protist reproduces both by binary fission and conjugation?

• A. Amoeba
• B. Paramecium
• C. Euglena
• D. Monocystis

Answer 1

The correct option is B Paramecium

• Paramecium usually reproduces by simply dividing in two. Each new Paramecium is a clone of the original, they each contain a copy of the same DNA. This is called binary fission.
• Sometimes, Paramecium does have a form of sexual reproduction called conjugation.
• One Paramecium reaches out to another using a thread-like structure called a pilus.
• The first Paramecium transfers part of its DNA to the other Paramecium through the pilus. By this exchange, Paramecium can quickly create or pass along new traits that help them adapt to different environments.

Thus, the correct answer is option B.