What process allows for the division of one cell into two cells of equal size in single-celled organisms?

Binary fission is the correct answer because it is the process specifically utilized by single-celled organisms, such as bacteria and archaea, to reproduce. During binary fission, the cell grows, duplicates its genetic material, and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method ensures that the new cells are of equal size and contain the same genetic information as the original cell, allowing for efficient reproduction and population increase.

Mitotic division generally refers to a more complex process typically seen in multicellular organisms where cells undergo a series of steps (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase) to ensure equal distribution of duplicated chromosomes into two new nuclei, followed by cytokinesis, which is not as straightforward as binary fission.

Budding involves the formation of a new organism from a small projection on the parent, which is a different mode of asexual reproduction typically seen in some yeast and hydra and does not result in two equal-sized cells.

Fragmentation is a process where an organism is divided into several pieces, each of which can develop into a new individual. This method results in unequal sizes of the resulting fragments or offspring and is more common in certain multicellular organisms.

Thus, binary fission is the most