2.3.4

Binary Fission

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Binary Fission

Prokaryotes, such as bacteria, replicate by binary fission. For unicellular organisms, cell division is the only method to produce new individuals.

Illustrative background for 1) Replication of genetic materialIllustrative background for 1) Replication of genetic material ?? "content

1) Replication of genetic material

  • Binary fission in prokaryotic cells involves replication of the circular DNA and of plasmids.
Illustrative background for 2) Migration of genetic materialIllustrative background for 2) Migration of genetic material ?? "content

2) Migration of genetic material

  • The two sets of genetic material migrate towards opposite poles.
Illustrative background for 3) Cytoplasm begins to divideIllustrative background for 3) Cytoplasm begins to divide ?? "content

3) Cytoplasm begins to divide

  • The cytoplasmic contents must be divided to give both new cells the machinery to sustain life.
Illustrative background for 4) Formation of daughter cellsIllustrative background for 4) Formation of daughter cells ?? "content

4) Formation of daughter cells

  • Two daughter cells are formed, each with a single copy of the circular DNA and a variable number of plasmid copies.
  • Daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cells and identical to each other.
  • The only difference between the daughter cells is the number of plasmid copies in each cell.

Jump to other topics

1Unity & Diversity - Molecules

2Unity & Diversity - Cells

3Unity & Diversity - Organisms

4Unity & Diversity - Ecosystems

5Form & Function - Molecules

6Form & Function - Cells

7Form & Function - Organisms

8Form & Function - Ecosystems

9Interaction & Interdependence - Molecules

10Interaction & Interdependence - Cells

11Interaction & Interdependence - Organisms

12Interaction & Interdependence - Ecosystems

12.1Populations & Communities

12.2Transfers of Energy & Matter

13Continuity & Change - Molecules

14Continuity & Change - Cells

15Continuity & Change - Organisms

16Continuity & Change - Ecosystems

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