2.2.2 Binary fission

• What is the process of binary fission in prokaryotes?

  Replication of DNA and cell division
• How does circular DNA replicate during binary fission?

  It replicates once
• How do plasmids replicate during binary fission?

  They replicate many times
• What happens to the cytoplasm during binary fission?

  It expands and divides in two
• Where do the DNA molecules move during binary fission?

  To opposite poles of the cell
• What occurs to the cell membrane during binary fission?

  It grows between the two DNA molecules
• What forms the new cell wall during binary fission?

  A new cell wall begins to form
• What do the two daughter cells contain after binary fission?

  Each has a single copy of circular DNA
• What is variable in the daughter cells after binary fission?

  The number of plasmids
• What are the steps of chromosome replication in E. coli during binary fission?

  1. Chromosome replication begins.
  2. One copy of the origin moves toward the other end.
  3. Replication continues until one copy is at each end.
  4. Replication finishes.
  5. Plasma membrane grows inward, and new cell wall is deposited.
  6. Two daughter cells result.
• How does the process of binary fission ensure genetic continuity in prokaryotes?

  By producing identical daughter cells with DNA copies
• What is the role of the plasma membrane during binary fission?

  It grows inward to help divide the cell
• What is murein in the context of binary fission?

  A component of the new cell wall
• What is the significance of the new cell wall in binary fission?

  It divides the cell into two identical daughter cells