comparing reproduction

Question 1

what are the four types of reproduction?

Answer 1

binary fission
conjugation
plasmids
endospores

Question 2

what is the most common form of reproduction and why?

Answer 2

binary fission

bacteria and archaea do not have nuclei- they do not reproduce through mitosis or meiosis

Question 3

what is binary fission?

Answer 3

the asexual form of reproduction in which a cell divides in two genetically identical cells

Question 4

binary fission

step one

Answer 4

as a cell grows, it makes a copy of its single chromosome (which contains genetic material)

Question 5

binary fission
step two (after it makes a copy of its single chromosome (which contains genetic material))

Answer 5

when the cell reaches a certain size, it elongates, separating the original chromosome and its copy

Question 6

binary fission
step three (after it elongates, separating the original chromosome and its copy)

Answer 6

the cell builds a partition between them (a septum)

Question 7

binary fission
step four (after the cell builds a septum between them)

Answer 7

eventually the cell splits into two smaller, genetically identical cells

Question 8

what is conjugation?

Answer 8

exchanging DNA between two bacteria and archaea

a process in which there is a transfer of genetic material involving two cells

Question 9

what does conjugation produce?

Answer 9

cells with new genetic combinations- therefore, some may be better adapted to changing conditions

Question 10

conjugation

step one

Answer 10

one cell links to another through a bridging structure and transfers all or part of its chromosomes to the other cell

Question 11

conjugation
step two (after one cell links to another through a bridging structure and transfers all or part of its chromosomes to the other cell)

Answer 11

results in cells with new genetic content (unlike asexual reproduction)

Question 12

conjugation
step three (after cells with new genetic content are created)

Answer 12

receiving cells then undergoes binary fission to produce more cells

Question 13

what are plasmids?

Answer 13

small groups of DNA that are separate from the main chromosome; contain genes

Question 14

plasmids

are plasmid genes similar or different than those found in the main chromosome?

Answer 14

different

Question 15

plasmids

what are plasmids’ relationship with the main chromosome?

Answer 15

can split from and rejoin the main chromosome

Question 16

plasmids

because they may be transferred between cells during conjugation, why are they significant?

Answer 16

important means of genetic recombination in prokaryotes

Question 17

endospores

when are endospores formed?

Answer 17

when environmental conditions threaten survival

Question 18

endospores

what are endospores?

Answer 18

a dormant bacterial cell able to survive for long periods during extreme conditions

Question 19

endospores

what are endospores’ appearance?

Answer 19

hard walled structures that protect and store the organism’s genetic material

Question 20

endospores

what are endospores resistant to?

Answer 20

high temperatures, drying out, freezing, radiation, toxic chemicals

Question 21

endospores

what happens when conditions are more suitable?

Answer 21

the endospore germinates back into an active bacterium

Question 22

endospores

where have endospores not been found?

Answer 22

in archaea