Binary Fission

Binary fission is an asexual reproduction process through which prokaryotic cells, like bacteria, divide to form two genetically identical daughter cells. The process involves several steps.

The first step is DNA replication. It begins as the circular DNA molecule unwinds at the origin of replication or oriC. Then, DNA polymerases synthesize two complementary strands through bidirectional replication.

Replication continues in opposite directions until the terminus is reached, producing two identical copies.

Following this, the cell starts elongating as the two newly formed DNA molecules move towards opposite poles of the cell. The cytoplasmic components also begin duplicating.

Next, the center of the elongated cell begins to constrict. This process is driven by the FtsZ protein, which assembles a Z-ring near the cytoplasmic membrane, marking the division site. The Z-ring is anchored to the membrane by anchoring proteins and recruits additional division proteins to form the divisome.

The divisome synthesizes a new peptidoglycan cell wall and builds a septum, leading to the formation of two daughter cells.