Which of the following single-celled organisms divide into many daughter cells simultaneously by multiple fission?

The correct answer is Plasmodium.

Key Points

• Plasmodium is a protozoan parasite known to cause malaria in humans.
• It reproduces asexually through a process called multiple fission, where the nucleus divides several times before the cell splits into many daughter cells.
• During its life cycle, Plasmodium undergoes multiple fission inside the red blood cells and liver cells of its host.
• Multiple fission allows Plasmodium to produce a large number of progeny in a short time, aiding in the rapid spread of the parasite within the host.

Additional Information

• Multiple Fission:
  • It is a form of asexual reproduction where a single organism divides into multiple daughter cells simultaneously.
  • This process is common in some protozoa and algae.
• Life Cycle of Plasmodium:
  • Plasmodium has a complex life cycle involving two hosts: Anopheles mosquitoes and humans.
  • The mosquito acts as the definitive host where sexual reproduction occurs, while the human is the intermediate host where asexual reproduction takes place.
• Other Examples of Multiple Fission:
  • Besides Plasmodium, other organisms such as Ceratium and Paramecium also undergo multiple fission.
• Importance in Disease Spread:
  • The ability of Plasmodium to reproduce rapidly through multiple fission is a key factor in the high infection rates and severity of malaria.