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Binary fission represents asexual reproduction prevalent among lower organisms such as bacteria, unicellular protozoans, and a few other animal species. Within binary fission, the parent cell undergoes division to yield two daughter cells through amitosis. Each of these daughter cells subsequently matures into an adult organism. The process of nucleus division is termed amitosis, denoting the absence of the conventional stages seen in regular mitotic divisions within these cells.
Procedure
The procedure for studying the process of binary fission is as follows:
- Position the slide on the stage of a compound microscope.
- Adjust the focus of the slide initially using low magnification, followed by switching to high magnification on the compound microscope.
- Thoroughly observe the distinct phases of binary fission in Amoeba and Paramoecium.
Observation
The process of binary fission in Amoeba commences with the division of the nucleus, succeeded by the division of the cytoplasm. Throughout binary fission, a solitary parent cell gives rise to two daughter cells of identical size and structure through cell division called amitosis. In Amoeba, this division can occur along any plane, termed “simple binary fission.”
Paramoecium, a unicellular eukaryotic organism resembling a slipper in shape, also partakes in binary fission. However, in the case of Paramoecium, the division occurs within a transverse plane, leading to its classification as “transverse binary fission.”
FAQs on Binary Fission in Amoeba and Paramoecium
Q1. Why is binary fission?
Answer: Binary fission is the method of asexual reproduction wherein a parent organism divides into two or more daughter cells, with each of these cells eventually developing into a new individual.
Q2. Why is binary fission a type of asexual reproduction?
Answer: Binary fission is considered a type of asexual reproduction because only a single parent is involved. The fusion of female and male gametes to create a zygote does not occur.
Q3. What is the difference between binary fission in Amoeba and Paramoecium?
Answer: Amoeba engages in binary fission, during which both the cytoplasm and the nucleoid (containing the DNA molecule) divide into any plane, resulting in the formation of two daughter cells, which can be of equal or unequal sizes. This process occurs without involving mitosis. In contrast, Paramoecium follows a different approach, where the division plane runs along the transverse axis of the organism.
Q4. What type of cell division occurs during binary fission?
Answer: Amitosis occurs during binary fission, as it involves the simple splitting of the nucleus, followed by the direct division of the cytoplasm. This process occurs without the formation of spindle fibres or the visible appearance of chromosomes.
Q5. Why is binary fission considered a faster process as compared to sexual reproduction?
Answer: Indeed, asexual reproduction methods are faster than sexual reproduction since they do not involve the steps of zygote creation, fertilisation, and the multiple phases of embryonic growth.
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