An example of what binary fission
looks like. This is a Gloeocapsa sp., <bottom> with two algae
<top>
Most prokaryotes reproduce asexually
through binary fission. This is where the cell makes a duplicate of itself
and one DNA molecule passes into a newly formed cell. These two cells are
genetically identical. Binary fission does not allow for the bacteria
to acquire genetic diversity. This diversity is needed for bacteria
to withstand changing environments. Bacteria have the ability to
shuffle genes through several processes. These processes include
transformation, conjugation, and transduction.
An example of what binary fission
looks like. This is a Gloeocapsa sp., <bottom> with two algae
<top>
Quick Fact: Bacteria outnumber all of the eukaryotes combined.
During transformation, the bacterium they
take up fragments of DNA from the soil and water, which was dead decomposed
bacterium. Conjugation is when a donor bacterium attaches itself
to a recipient and transfers DNA through a tube called a pilus. The
fragments of DNA are in the form of plasmids. Transuction involves
transfer of DNA through a virus. This virus is known as Bacteriophage.
Through these processes bacteria can gain new traits which they could not
obtain through binary fission only. These traits can include the
ability to withstand change in acidity, temperature and have the ability
to resist antibiotics.
