BINARY FISSION PROKARYOTES

Prokaryotes cell division

Prokaryotes cell division

They divide by binary fission (asexual reproduction of cells).

1. binary fission

Replication of the circular prokaryotic chromosome beings at the origin of replication and continues in both directions at once.

2. binary fission

The cell begins to elongate. FtsZ proteins migrate towards the midpoint of the cell.

3. binary fission

The duplicated chromosomes move away to opposite ends of the cell. Ftsz proteins form a ring around the periphery of the midpoint between the chromosomes.

4. binary fission

The FtsZ ring directs the formation of a septum that divides the cell. Plasma membrane and cell wall materials accumulate.

5. binary fission

After the septum is complete, the cell pinches in two, forming two daughter cells. FtsZ is dispersed throughout the cytoplasm of the new cells.