Biology STAAR (State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness) Practice Test

What term describes the process of cell division that occurs in bacteria?

1. Mitosis

2. Meiosis

3. Binary fission

4. Cell differentiation

The correct answer is: Binary fission

The process of cell division that occurs in bacteria is known as binary fission. This method allows a single bacterial cell to divide into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the bacterial DNA is replicated, and the cell grows until it is large enough to divide. The cell membrane pinches inward, and two new cells are formed, each with a copy of the original genetic material. This process is efficient and enables rapid population growth under favorable conditions, making it the primary means of reproduction in bacteria. In comparison, mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs in eukaryotic cells, where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, but it involves more complex steps such as the formation of a spindle apparatus and the separation of chromosomes. Meiosis is a specialized form of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, creating gametes for sexual reproduction and is also limited to eukaryotes. Cell differentiation refers to the process by which a less specialized cell becomes a more specialized cell type, which is not a type of cell division. Thus, binary fission is the most appropriate term for bacterial cell division.