Binary Fission

E. coli undergoing binary fission. Image: Janice Carr/CDC

Bacteria are prokaryotic organisms that reproduce asexually. Bacterial reproduction most commonly occurs by a kind of cell division called binary fission. Binary fission results in the formation of two bacterial cells that are genetically identical.

During binary fission, the single DNA molecule replicates and both copies attach to the cell membrane. Next, the cell membrane extends between the two DNA molecules. Once the bacterium just about doubles its original size, the cell membrane begins to pinch inward. A cell wall then forms between the two DNA molecules dividing the original cell into two identical cells.

Binary fission is an effective way for bacteria to reproduce, however it does introduce problems. Since the cells produced through this type of reproduction are identical, they are all susceptible to the same types of antibiotics.