Binary fission

• What is binary fission?

  A form of asexual reproduction
• Which type of cells use binary fission?

  Prokaryotic cells
• What happens during binary fission?

  A single parent cell divides into two identical cells
• Why is binary fission considered a rapid process?

  It allows for quick increase in cell numbers
• What is the first step in binary fission?

  DNA replication
• What type of DNA do bacterial cells have?

  A single circular DNA molecule
• What occurs after DNA replication in binary fission?

  Chromosome separation
• What happens during chromosome separation?

  Two copies move to opposite sides
• What is the purpose of cell growth in binary fission?

  To prepare for division
• What is a septum in the context of binary fission?


  A partition forming down the middle
• How does the septum contribute to cell division?

  It divides the cell into two chambers
• What is the final step of binary fission?

  Cytokinesis
• What occurs during cytokinesis?

  The cell membrane fuses and splits cytoplasm
• What is the result of binary fission?

  Two genetically identical daughter cells
• What are the key points regarding binary fission?

  • Asexual reproduction in prokaryotic cells
  • Rapid process leading to exponential growth
  • Genetic consistency with no mixing of genetic material
• How does binary fission lead to genetic variation over time?

  Through mutations occurring during replication
• What is the significance of genetic consistency in binary fission?

  Daughter cells are clones of each other
• What conditions favor rapid binary fission?

  Favorable environmental conditions
• How does binary fission differ from sexual reproduction?

  Binary fission involves one parent cell