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Binary fission involves mitosis only and hence the resultant individuals are genetically identical to each other and to the parent.

It is the simplest and most common method of asexual reproduction. The whole parental body acts as the reproductive unit. The nucleus of the unicellular parent organism divides into two. This is followed by the division of the cytoplasm and 2 daughter cells of almost equal size are formed. The daughter cells grow in size and then divide again.

Examples: Seen in euglena, amoeba, paramoecium.

Based on the plane of cytoplasmic division binary fission is of 3 types, namely:

a) Simple binary fission

b) Transverse binary fission

c) Longitudinal binary fission

When the cytoplasmic division passes through any plane, the fission is called simple binary fission.

Example: Amoeba

When the plane of cytoplasmic division coincides with the transverse axis of the individual, the fission is called transverse binary fission.

Example: Paramoecium, Planaria

When the plane of cytoplasmic division coincides with the longitudinal axis of the individual, the fission is called longitudinal binary fission.

Example: Euglena