Lesson 6.1: Bacterial Reproduction

Question 1

Bacteria can reproduce in how many ways?

Answer 1

2 ways: asexually and sexually

Question 2

Asexual reproduction is called.. ___ + how does it work?

Answer 2

Binary fission. It is a type of asexual reproduction and works when one parent is involved and offspring is completely identical to the parent and to each other

Question 3

Advantages of binary fission/asexual reproduction

Answer 3

• its a simple process; only 1 parent
• offspring are fully formed (no maturation needed)
• process is quick

Question 4

Asexual reproduction disadvantages

Answer 4

• no genetic variety (DNA is identical to parent)
• one unfavourable environmental condition can wipe out the whole population since they share the exact same characteristics

Question 5

Binary fission process

Answer 5

1. the bacterial chromosome is attached to the plasma membrane before DNA replication
2. replication starts and proceeds in two directions from some point in the bacterial chromosome
3. the DNA copy is attached at a membrane site near the attachment site of the parent DNA molecule
4. new membrane and new wall material are added transversely through the cell’s midsection
5. the ongoing, orderly deposition of membrane and wall material at the midsection cuts the cell in two

Question 6

Sexual reproduction, how does it work?

Answer 6

• two parents involved
• offspring are genetically different to parents and to each other

Question 7

Sexual reproduction advantages

Answer 7

• there is a genetic variety (some are able to adapt to unfavourable conditions antibiotic resistance)

Question 8

Sexual reproduction disadvantages

Answer 8

• more complex: slower because they must find a compatible partner
• no new individuals are produced (no increase in population as it is simply just replicating in genetic information)

Question 9

How does bacterial conjugation work?

Answer 9

• plasmid copies itself
• passes through pili (cytoplasmic bridge) into the recipient cell
• cells seperate with both cells containing the plasmid

Question 10

Factors that affect bacterial growth

Answer 10

• temperature
• nutrients
• oxygen availability
• salt concentration
• pH