Process of fissionThe process of reproduction in a bacterial cell occurs through binary fission. In eukaryotic cells, asexual reproduction occurs through the more complex process of mitosis. The process of binary fission in bacteria involves:Replication of the circular DNA molecule inside the cell.Replicated DNA move to either poles of the cell.The cell lengthens.The equatorial plate of the cell constricts and separates the plasma membrane so each new cell has exactly the same genetic material.This process is rapid and typically takes around 20 minutes at room temperature, meaning a single cell can produce millions of descendants in the space of a few hours. Note that not all bacterial cells undergo binary fission in 20 minutes; it can sometimes take as long as 24 hours.
