Binary Fission Flashcards
1
Q
How do prokaryotic cells replicate?
A
Binary fission
2
Q
Binary fission - step 1
A
Circular DNA and plasmid(s) replicate
3
Q
Binary fission - step 2
A
The cell gets bigger and the circular DNA strands move to opposite ‘poles’ of the cell
4
Q
Binary fission - step 3
A
The cytoplasm begins to divide and new cell walls begin to form
5
Q
Binary fission - step 4
A
The cytoplasm divides and 2 new daughter cells are produced. Each daughter cell has one copy of the circular DNA, but can have a variable number of copies of the plasmid(s)
6
Q
When can bacteria divide very quickly?
A
If given the right conditions
E.g. warm environment and lots of nutrients
7
Q
What happens when the conditions become unfavourable?
A
The cells will stop dividing and eventually begin to die
