what is binary fission

1 answer

Binary fission is a type of asexual reproduction found in single-celled organisms, such as bacteria and archaea. It is the process by which a parent cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

During binary fission, the genetic material of the parent cell, which is usually a circular DNA molecule called the chromosome, replicates. The two copies of the chromosome attach to the cell membrane, and as the cell elongates, they are pulled apart. As the cell continues to grow and elongate, a septum forms, dividing the cell into two compartments. Eventually, the septum completely forms, separating the parent cell into two daughter cells. Each daughter cell contains one copy of the replicated chromosome and other cellular components.

Binary fission is a rapid and efficient method of reproduction that allows single-celled organisms to rapidly increase their population size.