E. coli /Bacteria does not show alternation of generations because of absence of

Options

A. nucleus
B. chromosomes
C. reduction division
D. syngamy

Answer

**Step-by-Step Solution:**

1. **Understanding Alternation of Generations:**
- Alternation of generations refers to a reproductive cycle in which an organism alternates between a haploid phase (gametophytic stage) and a diploid phase (sporophytic stage). In this cycle, the diploid organism undergoes meiosis to produce haploid gametes, which then fuse during fertilization to form a diploid zygote.

2. **Identifying the Organism:**
- The question specifically mentions E. coli, which is a type of bacteria. Bacteria are classified as prokaryotes.

3. **Characteristics of Prokaryotes:**
- Prokaryotes, including E. coli, have a simpler cellular structure compared to eukaryotes. They possess a single circular chromosome and lack membrane-bound organelles.

4. **Absence of Meiosis in Prokaryotes:**
- In eukaryotic organisms, alternation of generations is facilitated by meiosis, a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half. However, prokaryotes do not undergo meiosis because they have only one chromosome, and thus, they cannot perform reduction division.

5. **Conclusion:**
- Since E. coli does not have the capability to undergo meiosis due to its prokaryotic nature, it cannot exhibit alternation of generations. Therefore, the absence of reduction division (meiosis) is the reason why E. coli does not show alternation of generations.

**Final Answer:**
E. coli does not show alternation of generations because of the absence of reduction division (meiosis).

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