Binary Fission

• Binary Fission (general)

  • a process of asexual reproduction where a prokaryotic cell divides into 2 identical daughter cells
  • eg. in bacteria
  • very rapid, leading to an increased mutation rate
  • generation time: the time required for a bacterial cell to divide, or a population of bacteria to double
  • DNA replication and separation happen at the same time unlike mitosis
• Binary Fission Steps

  1. prior to binary fission, single chromosome is tightly coiled
  2. DNA replication occurs and the genetic material in the chromosome uncoils and replicates. Any plasmids replicate and separate
  3. original and replicate chromosomes attach to the cell membrane and are pulled to seperate poles. The cell elongates and chromosome duplicates
  4. new cell wall starts to grow and a cleavage furrow develops in the cell membrane. A cross wall is formed
  5. ingrowing walls meet and 2 identical cells are formed. Chromosomes are tightly coiled again