Cell Division in Prokaryotes (Binary Fission)

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering prokaryotic structure, bacterial reproduction, and the four major stages of binary fission.

Cell Division

The process by which one parent cell produces new daughter cells, allowing organisms to grow, repair damaged tissues, and reproduce.

Prokaryotic Cell

A simple type of cell that lacks a membrane-bound nucleus and membrane-bound organelles (such as mitochondria and Golgi apparatus), with its DNA located in the nucleoid.

Nucleoid

A region within the cytoplasm of a prokaryotic cell where the single circular DNA chromosome is located, not enclosed by a membrane.

Binary Fission

A form of asexual reproduction in prokaryotes in which one parent cell divides into two genetically identical daughter cells; derived from 'binary' meaning two and 'fission' meaning to split.

DNA Replication (in Binary Fission)

The first and most important step of binary fission, in which the cell produces an exact copy of its single circular chromosome to ensure each daughter cell receives identical genetic material.

Origin of Replication

The specific site on the circular bacterial chromosome where DNA synthesis begins and proceeds bidirectionally.

Cell Elongation

The second stage of binary fission where the bacterial cell increases in length and the duplicated chromosomes move toward opposite poles of the cell.

Septum Formation

The third stage of binary fission where the cell membrane and cell wall pinch inward at the center, developing a cross-wall (septum) that partitions the parent cell into two developing compartments.

Cell Separation

The fourth and final stage of binary fission where the septum is completed, fully splitting the parent cell into two separate, genetically identical daughter cells.

FtsZ

A protein that remains inactive in the cytoplasm until it polymerizes at the mid-cell to form the Z-ring, orchestrating cell division.

Z-ring

A ring-like structure formed by the assembly of FtsZ proteins at the division site that coordinates membrane constriction and septum formation.

Replisome

A multi-protein replication machine (two replisomes per replicating chromosome) responsible for synthesizing DNA bidirectionally away from the origin of replication.

Terminator Sequence

A specialized region on the bacterial chromosome located opposite the origin of replication where DNA replication converges and finishes.

Escherichia coli (E. coli)

A bacterium that can divide approximately every $20\,\text{minutes}$ under optimal laboratory conditions.

Vibrio natriegens

A rapidly reproducing bacterium that divides roughly every $7\,\text{to}\,10\,\text{minutes}$ under ideal nutrient and temperature conditions.

Clostridium perfringens

A bacterium known to cause food poisoning that divides in about $10\,\text{to}\,12\,\text{minutes}$ under optimal conditions.