1. Asexual Reproduction in Prokaryotes
Binary Fission
Asexual Reproduction in Prokaryotes

2. What is a Prokaryote?
An organism that lacks a true nucleus in its cell
Most are unicellular organisms
Bacteria
Archea

3. Binary Fission Asexual reproduction Cell division Prokaryotes
Each offspring is genetically identical to its parent
E. coli – under optimal conditions – can complete this process in 20 minutes!

4. Binary Fission

5. Binary Fission – Step 1
The cell wall prepares for replication. The cell wall starts to rupture.

6. The cell makes a copy of its single, circular chromosome.
Binary Fission – Step 2
The cell makes a copy of its single, circular chromosome.

7. Binary Fission – Step 3
The cell grows larger and the chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. The cell membrane begins to pinch inward, separating the two identical chromosomes.

8. Cytokinesis occurs and two identical bacterium exist.
Binary Fission – Step 4
Cytokinesis occurs and two identical bacterium exist.