Asexual Reproduction Relies on Mitosis for Cloning

Steps:

• Recall that asexual reproduction in plants produces offspring from a single parent without gamete fusion.
• Identify that this process creates genetically identical copies, unlike sexual reproduction.
• Note the cell division type: mitosis maintains chromosome number for identical cells.
• Eliminate options involving gametes or meiosis, which are sexual reproduction features.

Why D is correct:

• Asexual reproduction uses mitosis, where a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells, ensuring offspring are clones of the parent per the definition of mitotic division.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Asexual reproduction involves no gametes, relying on vegetative structures like runners or bulbs.
• B: Two gamete types (sperm and egg) are required for sexual reproduction, not asexual.
• C: Meiosis halves chromosome number for gamete formation in sexual reproduction.

Final answer: D