Binary fission results two identical daughter cells Binary fission, meaning “division in half”, refers to a method of asexual reproduction. It is the most common form of reproduction in prokaryotes and occurs in some single–celled eukaryotes. Binary fission, or prokaryotic fission, is the type of asexual reproduction and cell division used by all prokaryotes, some protozoa, and some organelles surrounded by eukaryotic organisms.
This method results in the reproduction of a living prokaryotic cell by division into two parts which each have the capability to grow to the size of the original cell. The single genetic material (DNA) molecule first replicates, then attaches each copy to a different part of the cell membrane. When the cell begins to move apart, the replicate and original chromosomes are separated. The result of this asexual reproduction in prokaryotes is that all the cells are genetically identical, i.e. they have the same genetic material. In bacteria, most genes are carried on a single bacterial chromosome that consists of a circular DNA molecule and associated proteins.
The chromosome of the bacterium Escherichia coli, ( E. coli) , the process of cell division begins when the DNA of the bacterial chromosome begins to replicate at a specific place on the chromosome called the origin of replication, producing two origins. As the chromosome continues to replicate, one origin moves rapidly toward the opposite end of the cell. While the chromosome is replicating, the cell elongates. When replication is complete and the bacterium has reached about twice its initial size, its plasma membrane grows inward, dividing the parent E. coli cell into two daughter cells. Each cell inherits a complete genome. This process results in the reproduction of a living prokaryotic cell by division into two parts and each has the potential to grow to the size of the original cell or organelle.