A Bacterial Cell Gives Rise to Two Genetically Identical Daughter

Question

A bacterial cell gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells by a process known as
A) nondisjunction.
B) mitosis.
C) meiosis.
D) binary fission.
E) fertilization.

Accepted Answer

Binary fission is the process by which a bacterial cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This process involves the replication of the genetic material (DNA), followed by the elongation of the cell and eventual separation into two individual cells. Nondisjunction is a failure of chromosomes to separate properly during meiosis, resulting in genetic abnormalities. Mitosis is the process by which eukaryotic cells divide, but is not present in prokaryotic bacteria. Meiosis is a specialized cell division process in eukaryotic cells that produces genetically diverse daughter cells, and is not relevant for bacterial cells. Fertilization is the fusion of gametes (sex cells) to produce a zygote, which is not applicable to bacterial cells.