How do bacteria reproduce?
Binary fission (asexual reproduction) or Conjugation (sexual reproduction)
Bacteria reproduce through a process called binary fission. This is when one bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
The process of binary fission starts with the replication of the bacterial chromosome, which is circular and found in the cytoplasm of the cell. Once the chromosome is replicated, the cell elongates and the two copies of the chromosome move to opposite ends of the cell.
The cell then undergoes cytokinesis, which is the physical separation of the cell into two daughter cells. A new cell wall is formed between the two daughter cells, and each cell receives a copy of the genetic material from the parent cell.
The entire process of binary fission can take anywhere from 20 minutes to several hours, depending on the species of bacteria and the conditions of their environment. Since bacteria can reproduce so quickly, they can increase their population rapidly under favorable conditions, which can cause problems in certain situations like infections or outbreaks.
More Answers:
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Binary Fission: A Fundamental Method of Asexual Reproduction in Bacteria and Protozoa