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

Bacteria

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What structure is indicated by 'A' in the image above?

Plasmids

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What structure is indicated by '?' in the image above?

The nucleoid


A nucleoid is also sometimes known as a circular strand of DNA or a 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 genetic material

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Describe the steps of binary fission.

  1. The bacterial cell grows and replicates its genetic material.
  2. The two circular strands of DNA move to opposite sides of the cell.
  3. A new cell wall forms down the middle of the cell.
  4. The two halves pull apart to form two cells. 


Note that growth and replication of genetic material actually occurs before binary fission, but it is often included on mark schemes for exam questions like this.

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

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 division time is 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
  2. Moisture
  3. Plenty of nutrients

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