What is the process called when bacteria grow and divide into two identical cells?

• A. Binary fission
• B. Mitosis
• C. Meiosis
• D. Budding

Answer: (A)

Bacteria reproduce by binary fission, an asexual process in which a single cell copies its DNA, grows, and splits into two genetically identical daughter cells. This straightforward division doesn’t involve a mitotic spindle or meiosis; instead, the chromosome is replicated and the cell membrane pinches in to separate into two new cells, allowing rapid population growth when conditions are favorable.

Mitosis is a division method used by eukaryotic cells with a nucleus, involving chromosome alignment and spindle fibers to separate DNA—something bacteria don’t use. Meiosis is a sexual division that halves chromosome numbers to produce gametes, also not how bacteria reproduce. Budding is a growth form seen in some yeast and other organisms where a new individual sprouts off from the parent, rather than the parent splitting into two equal cells—again, not the standard bacterial reproductive method.