Yeast reproduces by:

**The reasoning** Yeast is a **single-celled fungus**, and its primary method of reproduction is **budding** (also called asexual reproduction). Here's how it works: a small outgrowth (the "bud") forms on the parent yeast cell. This bud grows larger as the parent cell's nucleus divides, with one copy moving into the bud. Eventually, the bud pinches off to become an independent yeast cell. Think of it like a balloon growing a smaller balloon on its side, which eventually separates. This is why you see yeast cells in clusters under a microscope — the buds haven't fully separated yet! **Why the wrong options tempt you** - **Spores** — Some fungi *do* reproduce by spores (like mushrooms), so if you're thinking "yeast = fungus = spores," you'd pick this. But yeast's *main* method is budding. - **Binary fission** — This is how *bacteria* divide (splitting into two equal halves). Yeast is eukaryotic, not prokaryotic. - **Cuttings** — That's for *plants* (stem, root propagation), not microscopic organisms! **Quick takeaway** Remember: **Yeast buds like a parent cell growing a baby on its side** — it's the signature move of this tiny fungus!