How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?

Kumudinee, Subject Matter Expert at Edumarz.

Solution: Binary fission and multiple fission are the types of cell division and hence reproduction.

It is a asexual reproduction as only one type of parent is involved.

During binary fission a single cell gets divided into two equal and identical daughter cells and it is most commonly seen in prokaryotic reproduction.

While during multiple fission a single cell gets divided into more than two (multiple) daughter cells and is mostly seen in reproduction of some protists and parasitic species.

Binary fission	Multiple fission
Two daughter cells are formed from a single parent cell or nucleus.	Many daughter cells are formed from a single parent cell or nucleus.
Takes place under favourable conditions.	Take place under unfavourable conditions.
Divides only once.	Divides frequently.
Both nucleus and cytoplasm division happens simultaneously.	Nuclear division occurs first and then a little portion of cytoplasm gets surrounded around it.
Definite pattern of cell division is followed.	Has no definite pattern of cell division involved.
Example: amoeba, bacteria, Euglena, etc.	Examples: algae, plasmodium, etc.