Final answer:
The process involved in asexual reproduction is mitosis, which produces two genetically identical daughter cells. In contrast, meiosis is associated with sexual reproduction, resulting in four genetically diverse gametes.
Step-by-step explanation:
The process involved in asexual reproduction is mitosis. During mitosis, a single eukaryotic parent cell duplicates its chromosomes and divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This is in contrast to meiosis, which is associated with sexual reproduction and produces four daughter cells with half the chromosome number of the parent cell.
Meiosis involves one round of chromosome duplication followed by two rounds of nuclear division, resulting in the production of haploid gametes. These are essential for sexual reproduction as they allow for the combination of genetic material from two individuals during fertilization, leading to genetically diverse offspring. Mitosis, however, can occur throughout a plant's life cycle whenever growth or repair is needed, while meiosis typically occurs during the production of gametes.
The relationship between mitosis and asexual reproduction is best described by the statement: 'Mitosis is a process that can result in asexual reproduction.' It is a more complex cellular process than binary fission in prokaryotes and is essential for the asexual reproduction of eukaryotic organisms.