Which of the following best describes binary fission?

Binary fission is a process of asexual reproduction commonly observed in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria. In binary fission, a single organism divides into two identical daughter cells. This method of reproduction allows organisms to quickly increase their population size without the need for genetic contribution from another individual, which is a characteristic of sexual reproduction.

During binary fission, the parent cell undergoes replication of its DNA, followed by a division where the cell elongates and then splits, ensuring that each new cell receives a copy of the original genetic material. This method contrasts with sexual reproduction, which involves the combination of genetic material from two distinct parent organisms, resulting in offspring with genetic variation.

Cell differentiation refers to the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, while cell metabolism encompasses all the biochemical reactions that occur within a cell. Neither of these processes describes binary fission. Therefore, the description of binary fission as a form of asexual reproduction accurately captures its essential characteristics.