Giardia intestinalis is an intestinal parasite of humans and other mammals that causes intestinal ailments in most people who ingest the cysts. Upon ingestion, each cyst releases two motile cells, called "trophozoites". These attach to the small intestine's lining via a ventral adhesive disk. The trophozoites anaerobically metabolise glucose from the host's intestinal contents to produce ATP. Reproduction is completely asexual, occurring by longitudinal binary fission of trophozoites, with each daughter cell receiving two haploid nuclei (n = 5). A trophozoite will often encyst as it passes into the large intestine by secreting around itself a case that is resistant to cold, heat, and dehydration. Infection usually occurs by drinking untreated water that contains cysts.
-Given its mode of reproduction and internal structures, which of the following should be expected to occur in Giardia at some stage of its life cycle?
A) separation (segregation) of daughter chromosomes
B) crossing over
C) meiosis
D) synapsis

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Giardia reproduces asexually through binary fission, which involves the separation of daughter chromosomes, but not processes like crossing over, meiosis, or synapsis, which are associated with sexual reproduction.

Giardia Intestinalis Is an Intestinal Parasite of Humans and Other