PSI Barbering Practice Exam

What is the process called when bacteria divide into two new cells after reaching their largest size?

1. Binary fission

2. Mitotic division

3. Cell replication

4. Clonal expansion

The correct answer is: Binary fission

The process in which bacteria divide into two new cells upon reaching their maximum size is known as binary fission. This is a fundamental method of reproduction in prokaryotic organisms, such as bacteria. During binary fission, the bacterial cell first elongates, then duplicates its genetic material, and ultimately divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This method allows bacteria to reproduce rapidly under favorable conditions, contributing to their ability to thrive and adapt in various environments. Mitotic division refers primarily to the process seen in eukaryotic cells where the nucleus divides, followed by the division of the cytoplasm. Cell replication is a broader term that can refer to any duplication of genetic material, applicable to both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells but does not specifically describe the division process in bacteria. Clonal expansion relates to the proliferation of particular cells, often used in contexts like immune response or cancer biology, rather than direct reproduction. Thus, binary fission is the precise term representing the specific process of bacterial cell division.