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In bacteria, binary fission can typically be modeled in **three stages**. The stages are:

1. **DNA replication**: The bacterial chromosome is replicated, resulting in two identical copies.
2. **Cell growth and separation**: The cell enlarges and begins to divide by forming a septum.
3. **Cell division**: The cell divides into two distinct daughter cells, each containing a copy of the DNA.

So the correct response is **three stages**.