1. Bacterial Reproduction

2. Reproduction When conditions are favourable bacteria can reproduce every 20 minutes In 48 hours a single bacterial cell could become culture 4000 times the mass of the earth Thankfully the food supply is limited and this does not happen

3. Binary Fission When a cell has almost doubled in size it will replicate its DNA and divide in half This produces 2 identical daughter cells Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction Asexual reproduction does not invovle the exchange of genetic material

4. Conjugation Is a form of sexual reproduciton Genetic Information is exchanged between individuals A long bridge of proteins forms between two bacterial cells DNA is transferred from one cell (donor) to another (recipient)

5. Spore Formation Bacteria form spores during unfavourable conditions One type is called an endospore –Cell forms a thick internal wall the encloses its DNA Spores can remain dormant for months until conditions improve