Bacterial division and culture

• Binary fission only occurs in prokayotic cells and is used for division and reproduction
• Bacteria divide using binary fission
• Bacteria cells have a cell wall, cell membrane, cytoplasm, a free loop of DNA, plasmids and some cells have flagella
• Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction
• Before a bacterial cell can divide, it must grow and replicate its DNA
• Once a bacterial cell has grown and replicated its genetic material. The two circular strands of DNA move to opposing sides of the cell. A new cell wall grows from the middle of the cell. Two halves pull apart to form two new cells.
• The plasmids are placed randomly when undergoing binary fission
• Conditions needed for bacterial growth:

  • Temperature
  • Nutrient Availability
  • Moisture
• Examples of aseptic techniques

  1. Cleaning surfaces with disinfectant 
  2. Washing hands with antiseptic soap and warm water before handling microorganisms.
  3. Sterilising all instruments, solutions, and mediums before they are used.
  4. Creating a sterile field using a Bunsen burner
  5. Growing bacteria in incubators set to a maximum of 25 C.