In cell biology, how is binary fission different from mitosis?

• A. Binary fission separates homologous chromosomes and reduces ploidy, whereas mitosis separates sister chromatids without changing ploidy.
• B. Binary fission includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, whereas mitosis consists of a single step without chromosome condensation.
• C. Binary fission occurs only after meiosis to produce haploid gametes, whereas mitosis produces genetically diverse daughter cells.
• D. Binary fission is a prokaryotic cell-division process that does not involve a mitotic spindle or nucleus, whereas mitosis is eukaryotic nuclear division with spindle-mediated chromosome segregation.

Answer: (D)