mrsamct
Joined: 07 Aug 2011
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 How do Bacteria Reproduce |
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Studies show that bacteria are microorganisms that have been found on earth for millions of years. The term bacteria is used to denote a group of unicellular organisms (singular - bacterium) that lack cell nucleus and some organelles. There are various types of bacteria that differ in shapes and characteristics. These microbes can be found in the shape of rods, spirals, spheres and their length is measured in micrometers.
Bacteria are present in almost all parts of earth and they can thrive in a variety of habitats. You may be surprised to know that some types of bacteria can thrive in hot springs, and even in radioactive waste. The survival of bacteria on earth, throughout the centuries, is said to be due to its prolific reproduction. This article can give you some information about how do bacteria reproduce.
Reproduction of Bacteria
Even though, they are single celled microorganisms, they can reproduce prolifically, if the conditions are right. Like most single-celled organisms, most bacteria undergo reproduction through binary fission, which is a type of asexual reproduction. In this case, identical generations are formed, because the daughter cells are identical clone cells only. Budding is another form of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Even genetic recombination occurs in different types of bacteria through, transduction, transformation and conjugation. Let us take a look at how do bacteria reproduce through these methods.
Binary Fission
Binary fission is a form of asexual reproduction, which is common among bacteria. In this type of reproduction, a single parent cell divides into two and forms two daughter cells, which will be exact replicas of the parent. In order to undergo binary fission, the bacterial cells must grow to a fixed size. Once they reach that size, each cell produces an exact replica of the genetic material and form two DNA molecules that attach to the cell membrane in different locations. The cell membrane starts growing inwards and between the two DNA molecules, so as to form two daughter clone cells. It has been observed that, if conditions are right, bacteria can double in number through binary fission, within a short time of about ten minutes! Read more on binary fission steps.
Budding
This is another from of asexual reproduction in bacteria. Some types of bacteria reproduce through budding, which is otherwise known as fragmentation. In this case, the mother cell forms a bud at one end and also makes a nucleus for the bud, through the process of mitosis. The bud grows to the same size as that of the mother cell, that remains constant in size. The bud separates from the mother and forms a different organism. Even though, the nucleus of the bud is formed through mitosis, it has been observed that sometimes the characteristics of the offspring may differ from that of the mother. Read more on stages of mitosis.
Sexual Reproduction
Even though, sexual reproduction is rare in bacteria, in some cases, genetic recombination is facilitated through conjugation, transformation or transduction. One of the reasons is that bacteria formed through asexual reproduction have same genetic material and can get affected by the same antibiotics. So, genetic recombination helps them in creating bacteria with variations in genetic material. The latter category may be resistant to the above said antibiotics or may be adapted to the changing environment.
In case of conjugation, genetic material will be transferred between bacteria, as one bacteria connects to the other through a tube called pilus. In case of transformation, DNA is collected from the remnants of dead bacterial cells. In this case, the bacterial cells get attached to the DNA of the dead bacteria and this DNA is transported through the cell membrane and incorporated to the genetic material of the live bacteria. In case of transduction, genetic material is transferred through bacteriophages (viruses that attack bacterial cells). As a bacteriophages attach to the bacterial cell, it inserts its genetic material into the bacterial cell. This results in the formation of replicated bacteriophages inside the bacterial cell, which opens up to release the former. The genetic material of this host bacterial cell can attach to the DNA of any other bacterial cell, that is attacked by these new bacteriophages.
Now, you have a basic idea about how do bacteria reproduce asexually and sexually. To summarize, asexual method of reproduction, especially, binary fission is commonly found in bacteria. Some types of bacteria may resort to budding too. Sexual reproduction, though rare, happens in bacteria in some special circumstances.
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