Which statement about asexual reproduction is true?

Which statement about asexual reproduction is true?

• A. It typically produces offspring that are genetic clones of the parent
• B. It always requires two parents
• C. It only occurs in plants
• D. It cannot occur in single-celled organisms

Answer: (A)

Asexual reproduction involves making offspring without combining genetic material from another individual, so the offspring are genetic clones of the parent under typical conditions. Because there’s no fusion of gametes, there’s no genetic mixing, and the DNA passed on is essentially the same as the parent’s. This mode is common in single-celled organisms, such as bacteria and many protists, which reproduce by processes like binary fission, as well as in plants and fungi through budding or vegetative propagation. It does not require two parents, unlike sexual reproduction. It’s not limited to plants, and the idea that it cannot occur in single-celled organisms is incorrect, just as the notion that it always involves two parents is incorrect. Therefore, the statement that offspring are genetic clones of the parent best describes asexual reproduction.

Asexual reproduction involves making offspring without combining genetic material from another individual, so the offspring are genetic clones of the parent under typical conditions. Because there’s no fusion of gametes, there’s no genetic mixing, and the DNA passed on is essentially the same as the parent’s. This mode is common in single-celled organisms, such as bacteria and many protists, which reproduce by processes like binary fission, as well as in plants and fungi through budding or vegetative propagation. It does not require two parents, unlike sexual reproduction. It’s not limited to plants, and the idea that it cannot occur in single-celled organisms is incorrect, just as the notion that it always involves two parents is incorrect. Therefore, the statement that offspring are genetic clones of the parent best describes asexual reproduction.