________ is the use of an optically active reagent or catalyst to convert an optically inactive starting material into an optically active product.

A) Asymmetric induction
B) Racemization
C) Optical reduction
D) Meso effection
E) Chiralization

Asymmetric induction is the process of using an optically active reagent or catalyst to create an optically active product from an optically inactive starting material. This results in the formation of a single enantiomer or diastereomer with high stereoselectivity. Racemization, optical reduction, and meso effection do not involve the use of an optically active reagent or catalyst to create an optically active product. Chiralization is not a commonly used term in organic chemistry and is not specific to this process.