How does binary fission occur in bacteria?

Binary fission is the primary method of asexual reproduction in bacteria. During this process, a single bacterial cell replicates its genetic material and then divides into two identical daughter cells. The steps involved include the duplication of the bacterial chromosome, elongation of the cell, and the formation of a septum that constricts the cell membrane, ultimately leading to the separation of the two daughter cells.

This method of reproduction allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions, as each daughter cell can subsequently divide, leading to exponential increases in the bacterial population. Because the resulting daughter cells are genetically identical to the parent cell, binary fission plays a crucial role in maintaining genetic consistency within a bacterial population.

In contrast, other options such as splitting into four daughter cells, absorbing a new genome, or forming spores refer to different processes. Binary fission specifically results in two cells, making the delineation of this process essential for understanding bacterial reproduction.