During binary fission, what happens to bacterial DNA?

During binary fission, what happens to bacterial DNA?

• A. It replicates and the cell undergoes mitosis
• B. It doubles and the bacterial cell divides
• C. It remains unchanged and the cell grows
• D. It breaks down and is reformed

Answer: (B)

During binary fission in bacteria, the process begins with the replication of the bacterial DNA. The single, circular DNA molecule is duplicated, resulting in two identical copies. As the cell prepares to divide, these two copies are pulled apart as the cell elongates. Ultimately, the cell divides into two daughter cells, each containing one copy of the original bacterial DNA. This direct duplication of DNA allows for the genetic continuity of the species. The binary fission process is efficient and does not involve the complex mitotic machinery found in eukaryotic cells. Thus, saying that the DNA doubles and the bacterial cell divides accurately describes the key events of bacterial cell division during binary fission. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the simplicity of bacterial reproduction compared to more complex organisms, which undergo more elaborate processes like mitosis.

During binary fission in bacteria, the process begins with the replication of the bacterial DNA. The single, circular DNA molecule is duplicated, resulting in two identical copies. As the cell prepares to divide, these two copies are pulled apart as the cell elongates. Ultimately, the cell divides into two daughter cells, each containing one copy of the original bacterial DNA. This direct duplication of DNA allows for the genetic continuity of the species. The binary fission process is efficient and does not involve the complex mitotic machinery found in eukaryotic cells.

Thus, saying that the DNA doubles and the bacterial cell divides accurately describes the key events of bacterial cell division during binary fission. This distinction is crucial because it highlights the simplicity of bacterial reproduction compared to more complex organisms, which undergo more elaborate processes like mitosis.