How does binary fission differ from multiple fission?

Binary fission is splitting into two — like one amoeba becoming two. Multiple fission is splitting into many at once — like the malarial parasite producing lots of new parasites at the same time.

Binary fission and multiple fission are both asexual reproduction methods but differ significantly: 1. Number of daughters — Binary fission produces two daughter organisms from one parent. Multiple fission produces many daughter organisms simultaneously. 2. Conditions — Binary fission occurs under favourable conditions. Multiple fission typically occurs under unfavourable conditions as a survival strategy. 3. Process — In binary fission, the parent nucleus divides once (mitosis), followed by cytoplasmic division. In multiple fission, the nucleus divides repeatedly (multiple mitotic divisions) before the cytoplasm divides into many parts. 4. Cyst formation — Multiple fission often involves cyst formation (protective wall around the parent) before division. Binary fission does not. 5. Examples — Binary fission: Amoeba, Paramecium, bacteria. Multiple fission: Plasmodium (malarial parasite), some algae.