Which of the following cells undergoes binary fission for reproduction?

Binary fission is a method of asexual reproduction primarily seen in prokaryotic cells, such as bacteria and archaea. In this process, the cell replicates its genetic material and divides into two identical daughter cells. The simplicity of the prokaryotic cell structure, which typically lacks membrane-bound organelles and a defined nucleus, allows for this efficient reproduction method. Each daughter cell inherits a copy of the original cell's DNA, ensuring genetic continuity.

In contrast, eukaryotic cells, stem cells, and muscle cells do not reproduce via binary fission. Eukaryotic cells tend to reproduce through mitosis (for somatic cells) or meiosis (for gametes), processes that involve complex steps of division and involve multiple chromosomes within a nucleus. Stem cells can divide through both mitotic and asymmetric division, leading to differentiation into various cell types rather than direct binary fission. Muscle cells, being specialized differentiated cells, do not divide and reproduce in the same way that prokaryotic cells do.

Thus, the selection of prokaryotic cells as the answer highlights the unique and straightforward mechanism of binary fission as a reproductive strategy unique to these organisms.