Florida Barber License Practice Test

What is the process called in which bacteria reproduce by dividing into two new cells?

1. Binary Fission

2. Mitosis

3. Meiosis

4. Cell Division

The correct answer is: Mitosis

The correct process by which bacteria reproduce by dividing into two new cells is called Binary Fission. In this asexual reproduction method, a single bacterial cell grows and then splits into two identical offspring, ensuring that each new cell receives an exact copy of the parent's genetic material. This process is efficient and allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions. Mitosis and meiosis refer to cell division processes typically found in eukaryotic organisms. Mitosis is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms and results in two genetically identical daughter cells, but it is more complex than binary fission and involves multiple stages. Meiosis, on the other hand, is a specialized form of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and eggs) and results in cells with half the original number of chromosomes, which is essential for sexual reproduction. The term "cell division" is a broader concept that encompasses both binary fission and mitosis. While it includes various methods of cellular reproduction, it does not specifically refer to the process characteristic of bacterial division, which is what binary fission accurately describes. Thus, binary fission is the most precise term for the way bacteria reproduce.