Question 102 marksShort AnswerSection A

Write any two differences between binary fission and multiple fission in a tabular form as observed in cells of organisms.

How do Organisms Reproduce?
Fission

Official answer

The differences between binary fission and multiple fission are tabulated below:


FeatureBinary FissionMultiple Fission
Number of daughter cellsThe parent cell divides/splits into two equal halves, producing two daughter cells.The parent cell divides into many daughter cells simultaneously.
ExamplesAmoeba, Leishmania, bacteriaPlasmodium (malarial parasite)
Answer keywords:two equal halvesmany daughter cells simultaneouslyAmoebaPlasmodium

Marking scheme

  1. 1.Correctly stating the difference in the number of daughter cells produced in binary vs multiple fission. (1 mark)
  2. 2.Providing correct examples for both types of fission (*Amoeba*/*Leishmania* for binary, *Plasmodium* for multiple). (1 mark)

Hint

Think about how many daughter cells are produced from a single parent cell in *Amoeba* compared to the malarial parasite *Plasmodium*.

Quick oral answer

In binary fission, a single cell splits into two equal halves, as seen in Amoeba. In multiple fission, a single cell divides into many daughter cells simultaneously, as seen in Plasmodium.

Common mistakes

  1. 1.Confusing the examples, such as writing Plasmodium for binary fission and Amoeba for multiple fission.
  2. 2.Not presenting the answer in a tabular format when specifically asked in the question.

Analysis and explanation

Binary fission and multiple fission are both asexual modes of reproduction occurring in unicellular organisms. The primary distinction lies in the number of offspring produced in a single reproductive cycle. In binary fission, the nucleus and cytoplasm divide once to produce two identical daughter cells. In multiple fission, the nucleus undergoes repeated divisions within a protective cyst to produce numerous nuclei, which then acquire cytoplasm and release many daughter cells at once when the cyst ruptures.

Interesting facts

While Amoeba can divide in any plane during binary fission, Leishmania has a whip-like structure (flagellum) at one end, which restricts its binary fission to a definite longitudinal orientation.

Question details

Q10 of 36 questions

Board
CBSE
Class
Class 10
Subject
Science
Year
2011
Section
Section A
Marks
2
Type
Short Answer
Chapter
How do Organisms Reproduce?
Topic
Fission
Bloom's level
Understanding
Syllabus topic
Modes of Reproduction used by Single Organisms - Fission

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Frequently asked questions

How many marks does this question carry in CBSE Class 10 Science 2011?

This question carries 2 marks in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 examination.

Which chapter does this question come from in Science?

This question is from the chapter "How do Organisms Reproduce?" in the CBSE Class 10 Science syllabus.

What topic does this question cover in Science?

This question covers the topic "Fission" from CBSE Class 10 Science.

What type of question is this in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper?

This is a Short Answer question from Section A in the CBSE Class 10 Science 2011 paper.