Prokaryotes

Most prokaryotes reproduce asexually through a process called binary fission. During binary fission, the single DNA molecule replicates and the original cell is divided into two identical cells.

• Binary fission begins with the single DNA molecule replicating and both copies attaching to the cell membrane.
  
  
• Next, the cell membrane begins to grow 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 daughter cells.