Binäärifissiona

Binäärifissiona, meaning binary fission in Finnish, is a method of asexual reproduction used by many unicellular organisms, primarily prokaryotes like bacteria and archaea. This process involves a single cell dividing into two identical daughter cells. It is the simplest and most common form of reproduction in these organisms.

The process begins with the replication of the cell's genetic material, typically a single circular chromosome. This chromosome attaches to the cell membrane and, as the cell grows, the two attachment points move apart, effectively pulling the replicated DNA into two separate regions of the cell. Following DNA replication and segregation, the cell elongates. A septum, a new cell wall and membrane, begins to form in the middle of the cell, constricting it. Eventually, the septum completely divides the parent cell into two genetically identical daughter cells. Each daughter cell receives a complete copy of the parent's genome and cellular components.

Binary fission is a remarkably efficient reproductive strategy that allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions. The speed of this division contributes significantly to the ability of bacterial populations to quickly adapt and proliferate. The genetic identity of the daughter cells is a key characteristic, meaning that mutations are the primary source of genetic variation in populations reproducing through binary fission.