Read the following statements
I. in unicellular organisms term growth and reproduction are used interchangeably
II. reproduction cannot be a defining character of living organism
III. Mules and worker bee are sterile
IV. Regeneration is a kind of asexual reproduction in which fragmented organism regenerates the lost part
How many of the above given correct?

Options

A. I
B. II
C. III
D. IV

Answer

To determine how many of the given statements are correct, let's analyze each statement step by step.

### Step 1: Analyze Statement I
**Statement I:** In unicellular organisms, the terms growth and reproduction are used interchangeably.

- **Explanation:** In unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, growth and reproduction occur simultaneously. When a unicellular organism grows, it often reproduces through processes like binary fission, where one cell divides into two. Therefore, in this context, growth and reproduction can be considered synonymous.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

### Step 2: Analyze Statement II
**Statement II:** Reproduction cannot be a defining character of living organisms.

- **Explanation:** While reproduction is a common characteristic of living organisms, it is not universal. Some organisms, such as mules (which are sterile hybrids) and certain worker bees, are alive but do not reproduce. Thus, reproduction cannot be considered a defining characteristic applicable to all living organisms.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

### Step 3: Analyze Statement III
**Statement III:** Mules and worker bees are sterile.

- **Explanation:** Mules are hybrids of horses and donkeys and are typically sterile due to the non-functional nature of their gametes. Worker bees, which are female bees that do not reproduce, also do not produce eggs. Therefore, both mules and worker bees are indeed sterile.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

### Step 4: Analyze Statement IV
**Statement IV:** Regeneration is a kind of asexual reproduction in which a fragmented organism regenerates the lost part.

- **Explanation:** Regeneration is a process observed in certain organisms (like planaria and lizards) where they can regrow lost parts. This process is a form of asexual reproduction because it does not involve the fusion of gametes and results in the formation of new individuals or parts from fragments.
- **Conclusion:** This statement is **correct**.

### Final Conclusion
After analyzing all four statements, we find that all of them are correct. Therefore, the total number of correct statements is **4**.

### Summary of Correctness:
- Statement I: Correct
- Statement II: Correct
- Statement III: Correct
- Statement IV: Correct

### Total Correct Statements: **4**

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