Which process is primarily associated with asexual reproduction?

Asexual reproduction is the process by which an organism can reproduce without the involvement of gametes or sexual processes. It typically results in offspring that are genetically identical to the parent, which is also known as clones. Mitosis is the key process associated with asexual reproduction because it involves the division of a single parent cell into two identical daughter cells.

During mitosis, the parent cell's genetic material is duplicated and evenly distributed into the two new cells, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the parent's DNA. This allows for rapid and efficient reproduction in organisms such as bacteria, some plants, and single-celled eukaryotes.

In contrast, meiosis is associated with sexual reproduction and results in the formation of gametes that have half the genetic material of the parent, which does not support asexual reproduction. Genetic recombination describes the process of exchanging genetic material between chromosomes during meiosis, further emphasizing its role in sexual reproduction rather than asexual mechanisms. Fertility encompasses the ability to reproduce, typically referring to organisms that can reproduce sexually, rather than the specific cellular processes involved in asexual reproduction.