This process is called binary fission, and it is the primary mode of reproduction for bacteria and archaea. Here's a breakdown:
* Replication of DNA: The single circular chromosome of the prokaryote replicates, creating two identical copies.
* Cell Growth: The cell grows in size, and the replicated chromosomes move to opposite ends of the cell.
* Membrane Invagination: The plasma membrane begins to pinch inward, forming a cleavage furrow in the middle of the cell.
* Separation: The membrane continues to pinch until it completely divides the cell into two daughter cells, each with a complete copy of the original DNA.
Important Note: Eukaryotic cells, which include plants, animals, fungi, and protists, use a different process called mitosis for cell division. While the final stage of mitosis does involve membrane pinching, the overall process is much more complex and involves the formation of a spindle apparatus to separate chromosomes.
