Question

Name the method by which Amoeba and Leishmania reproduce. Write a major difference in the way they divide to produce new individuals.

Hint:

Both Amoeba and Leishmania reproduce by binary fission, but in Leishmania, the division of cytoplasm is delayed compared to Amoeba.

Answer 1

Amoeba and Leishmania both reproduce by binary fission, but the process in each is slightly different: - Amoeba: In Amoeba, binary fission occurs by the simple process where the cell elongates, the nucleus divides, and the cell then splits into two genetically identical daughter cells. The process involves only the division of the nucleus, followed by the division of the cytoplasm. - Leishmania: Leishmania, a protozoan parasite, also reproduces by binary fission. However, unlike Amoeba, Leishmania divides by longitudinal fission, where the parent cell elongates, and the nucleus divides into two, but the cytoplasm divides much later. In the process of division, the daughter cells often remain connected by a small thread of cytoplasm before separating completely. Major Difference: The key difference lies in the division of the cytoplasm: - In Amoeba, cytoplasmic division happens simultaneously with nuclear division. - In Leishmania, the cytoplasm divides later, and the daughter cells remain connected for a brief time.