Clones are

Options

A. Only genetically similar to their parent
B. Only morphologically similar to their parent
C. Formed during asexual and sexual reproduction
D. Genetically and morphologically similar to their parent

Answer

**Step-by-Step Text Solution:**

1. **Definition of Clones**: Clones are organisms that are genetically and morphologically identical to their parent organism. This means they share the same genetic material and physical characteristics.

2. **Asexual Reproduction**: Clones are produced through a process called asexual reproduction. In this type of reproduction, only one parent is involved, and there is no fusion of gametes (sperm and egg).

3. **Uniparental Reproduction**: Asexual reproduction is also known as uniparental reproduction because it involves only one parent. This is different from sexual reproduction, which requires the fusion of male and female gametes.

4. **Examples of Asexual Reproduction**: A common example of asexual reproduction is budding, as seen in organisms like yeast. In budding, a new organism develops from a bud on the parent organism.

5. **Process of Budding**: In the case of yeast, a bud forms on the surface of the yeast cell. This bud contains a nucleus and eventually detaches from the parent cell to grow into a new individual.

6. **Genetic and Morphological Similarity**: Since clones arise from a single parent, they inherit the same genetic material, leading to genetic similarity. Additionally, they exhibit similar physical traits (morphological similarity) to the parent organism.

7. **Conclusion**: Therefore, clones are genetically and morphologically similar to their parent due to the nature of asexual reproduction, which does not involve genetic variation that occurs during sexual reproduction.

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