Question 32

Bacteria reproduce through binary fission.

Bacteria primarily reproduce by a process known as binary fission, where a single bacterial cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This asexual reproduction method allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions.

A) Mitosis

Mitosis is a form of cell division found in eukaryotic organisms, where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. However, bacteria, which are prokaryotes, do not undergo mitosis; instead, they reproduce through binary fission, making this option incorrect.

B) Meiosis

Meiosis is a specialized type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half and is essential for sexual reproduction in eukaryotes. Since bacteria reproduce asexually and do not undergo meiosis, this choice is not applicable.

C) Binary fission

Binary fission is the correct answer as it accurately describes the primary method of reproduction in bacteria. In this process, the bacterial cell grows, duplicates its DNA, and then divides into two new cells, each containing a copy of the original DNA.

D) Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis refers to the process where the cytoplasm of a parental cell is divided into two daughter cells during cell division. While cytokinesis is a component of both mitosis and meiosis in eukaryotes, it does not specifically describe the reproductive method of bacteria, making this option incorrect.

Conclusion

Binary fission is the definitive method by which bacteria reproduce, enabling them to rapidly increase in number. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they pertain to processes not applicable to bacterial reproduction. Thus, C is the only accurate representation of how bacteria propagate.