Binary Fisson

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Binary fission is a simple and efficient form of asexual reproduction found in bacteria, archaea, and some single-celled eukaryotes like amoeba and paramecium. In this process, a single parent cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells.​

Steps of Binary Fission

DNA Replication: The cell’s genetic material (usually a single, circular DNA molecule in prokaryotes) unwinds and is copied, producing two identical DNA molecules.​

Cell Growth & Elongation: The cell increases in size, and the two DNA molecules are pulled toward opposite ends (poles) of the cell.​

Septum Formation: The cell membrane and wall begin to pinch inward at the center, forming a division (septum) between the two sets of DNA.​

Separation: The septum fully develops, splitting the parent cell into two daughter cells—each with a full copy of genetic material and sufficient cytoplasmic contents for independent life.​

Types and Examples

Binary fission can occur as irregular (any plane, e.g., amoeba), longitudinal, transverse, or oblique, depending on the organism and axis of division.​

Examples:

Prokaryotes: Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, cyanobacteria.​

Eukaryotes: Amoeba, paramecium (with variations in nuclear division).​