Science — CBSE Class 10 board question

Plasmodium undergoes multiple fission — the nucleus divides repeatedly, forming many daughter nuclei, and then the cytoplasm splits simultaneously to produce many daughter cells at once.

Leishmania undergoes binary fission — the cell splits into two equal halves, but in a definite orientation (longitudinal, in relation to its whip-like structure).

Source: Chapter 7, Section 7.2.1 – Fission

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The key distinction the examiner wants is:

• Plasmodium → multiple fission (one cell → many cells at once)
• Leishmania → binary fission in a definite plane (because of its whip-like flagellum)

Don't confuse Leishmania with Amoeba — Amoeba also does binary fission but in any plane. Leishmania's fission is directional. Mentioning the whip-like structure earns a mark.