Bacteria

Actinobacteria

Reproduction

Bacteria reproduce only asexually, not sexually. Specifically they reproduce by binary fission, or simple cell division. During this process, one cell divides into two daughter cells with the development of a transverse cell wall.

Related Topics:
Reproduce - Asexually - Sexually - Binary fission

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However, genetic variations can occur within individual cells through recombinant events such as mutation (random genetic change within a cell's own genetic code).

Related Topics:
Recombinant - Mutation

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Similar to more complex organisms, bacteria also have mechanisms for exchanging genetic material. The end result is that a bacterium contains a combination of traits from two different parental cells. Three different modes of exchange have thus far been identified in bacteria:

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• transformation (the transfer of naked DNA from one bacterial cell to another in solution, this can include dead bacteria),
• transduction (the transfer of viral, bacterial, or both bacterial and viral DNA from one cell to another via bacteriophage) and;
• bacterial conjugation (the transfer of DNA from one bacterial cell to another via a special protein structure called a conjugation pilus).

Bacteria, having acquired DNA from any of these events, can then undergo fission and pass the recombined genome to new progeny cells. Many bacteria harbor plasmids that contain extrachromosomal DNA.

Related Topics:
Genome - Plasmid

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Under favourable conditions, bacteria may form aggregates visible to the naked eye, such as bacterial mats.

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