Which type of organism(s) divide via binary fission?

Bacteria.

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Which organelle is being indicated by 'A'?

Plasmids.

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Which organelle is being indicated in the image above?

Nucleoid.


(also known as: 'circular strand of DNA' or 'circular chromosome')

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Are bacteria eukaryotic or prokaryotic? 

Bacteria are prokaryotic.

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What is binary fission?

The process by which bacteria divide and reproduce.

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Is binary fission an example of sexual or asexual reproduction?

Binary fission is an example of asexual reproduction.

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Which two things must a bacterial cell do before it can divide?

1Grow.


2Replicate its genetic material.

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Describe the steps of binary fission.

  1. The bacteria grows and reproduces its genetic material (this happens before binary fission, but is often on the mark scheme for exam questions like this).


  1. The two circular strands of DNA move to opposite sides of the cell.


  1. A new cell wall forms down the middle of the cell.


  1. The two halves pull apart to form two cells. 

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During binary fission, is the genetic material split equally between the two new cells?

Yes and no. Each cell will always receive one copy of the circular strand of DNA, however, the plasmids are randomly arranged, so there are often more plasmids in one cell that the other.

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In binary fission, what is the mean division time?

The mean (average) time it takes for a bacterial cell to divide.

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Which three conditions do bacteria require for fast growth?

  1. Warmth.


  1. Moisture.


  1. Plenty of nutrients.

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