Cell division, a fundamental process for prokaryotes, ensures cellular replication and genetic material inheritance. This process, known as binary fission, involves the replication of the cell’s single circular chromosome, followed by the segregation of the replicated chromosomes into two daughter cells. Binary fission occurs within the cytoplasm, without the formation of a nuclear envelope or mitotic spindles. It involves the formation of a septum, which gradually divides the cell into two distinct compartments, each containing a copy of the chromosomal DNA.
Binary Fission: The Simplest Cell Division
Prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles, meaning their DNA is found floating in their cytoplasm. The process of cell division in prokaryotic cells is called binary fission. Binary fission is the simplest form of cell division and is often described as “splitting in two.”
The steps involved in binary fission are:
- Replication of DNA: The first step is for the DNA to replicate.
- Formation of new cell membrane: Once the DNA has replicated, the cell begins to grow by adding new cell membrane between the two copies of the DNA.
- Partitioning of DNA and organelles: As the cell continues to grow, the DNA and organelles begin to be partitioned into two halves.
- Separation: Finally, the cell membrane pinches off in the middle, dividing the cell into two daughter cells.
Binary fission is a very efficient process, and it allows prokaryotic cells to multiply quickly. Because binary fission results in the production of two identical daughter cells, it is also a form of asexual reproduction.
Binary fission is not without its drawbacks. One potential problem is that the replication of DNA is not always perfect. If a mutation occurs during DNA replication, one or both of the daughter cells may inherit the mutation. Mutations can be beneficial, neutral, or harmful. If a mutation is harmful, it can lead to the death of the cell.
Question 1:
What is cell division called in prokaryotic cells?
Answer:
Cell division in prokaryotic cells is called binary fission.
Question 2:
What is the main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell division?
Answer:
The main difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell division is that prokaryotic cells do not have a nucleus or membrane-bound organelles, while eukaryotic cells do. This means that prokaryotic cell division is much simpler and faster than eukaryotic cell division.
Question 3:
What are the steps of prokaryotic cell division?
Answer:
The steps of prokaryotic cell division are as follows:
1. The DNA in the cell is copied.
2. The cell membrane pinches in the middle, dividing the cell into two equal parts.
3. Each of the two new cells receives a copy of the DNA.
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