Reproduction in Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes can divide in two ways:
- Sexually
- Asexually
Asexually (Binary fission)
Binary fission, also known as asexual body division into two new bodies. When an organism divides into two halves (cytokinesis) through binary fission, it doubles its genetic material, or deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), with each new organism receiving one copy of DNA.
Recombination
It is a type of asexual reproduction in which the genetic material of one bacterium is inserted into the genetic material of some other bacteria. This happens via 3 processes:
- Conjugation: One bacteria can exchange genetic material with another directly through the process of conjugation. One bacterium acts as the genetic material giver during conjugation, and another bacterium acts as the recipient. The fertility factor, or F-factor, is a DNA sequence that is carried by the donor bacterium
- Transformation: It is also a type of sexual reproduction in which DNA is taken from the surrounding and bacteria add its DNA to that.
- Transduction: In this process, DNA is transferred to the bacteria via the help of a virus. Example Bacteriophage.
Prokaryotic Cells
Prokaryotic cells are single-celled organisms that lack a true nucleus and membrane-bound organelles. Their genetic material is present in a nucleoid region. They are normally smaller than eukaryotic cells, with a size range of 0.1 to 5 μm in diameter. Prokaryotic cells for example bacteria and archaea have a cell wall and fimbriae and pili can often be found on the surface of bacterial cells. They evolved before the eukaryotic cells and live in nearly all environments on Earth. They have the ability to adapt to diverse environments.
Table of Content
- Prokaryotic Cell Definition
- What is Prokaryotic Cell?
- Characteristics of Prokaryotic Cells
- Prokaryotic Cell Structure
- Prokaryotic Cell Diagram
- Components of Prokaryotic Cell
- Reproduction in Prokaryotes
- Prokaryotic Cells Examples
- Gram-staining