Texas State Manicurist Written Practice Exam

What is the process of bacteria dividing into two new cells called?

1. Bud formation

2. Binary fission

3. Cellular splitting

4. Cell division

The correct answer is: Binary fission

The process of bacteria dividing into two new cells is called binary fission. This method of reproduction is characteristic of prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria, where the single circular DNA molecule replicates, and the cell grows larger until it ultimately splits into two identical cells. This form of asexual reproduction allows for rapid population growth in favorable environments, as each division can happen in a matter of minutes under optimal conditions. In contrast, bud formation typically refers to the process in some yeast species and certain molds where a new organism grows off from the parent organism. Cellular splitting and cell division are more general terms that can refer to various processes of cell division in eukaryotic cells, including mitosis and meiosis, and thus do not specifically describe the binary fission process unique to bacteria. Therefore, binary fission accurately captures the specific mechanism used by bacteria for reproduction.