Question

Modeling population growth, most bacteria reproduce but cell division, where cells split in half during a process called binary fission. Under ideal conditions, some bacteria divide about every 30 minutes. For example, in the first half hour, one bacterium would reproduce, resulting in the production of two bacteria.

Answer 1

Bacteria reproduce through binary fission, where a parent cell splits into two identical daughter cells. This rapid reproduction is an adaptation to an unstable environment. Binary fission allows bacterial populations to grow exponentially, doubling every 20 minutes under ideal conditions.

Step-by-step explanation:

Bacteria reproduce through a process called binary fission. During binary fission, the chromosome copies itself, forming two genetically identical copies. Then, the cell enlarges and divides into two new daughter cells. The two daughter cells are identical to the parent cell.

Under ideal conditions, some bacteria can divide about every 30 minutes. For example, in the first half hour, one bacterium would reproduce, resulting in the production of two bacteria. This rapid reproduction is an adaptation to the unstable environment.

Binary fission allows bacterial populations to grow exponentially. In a closed system with abundant resources, bacterial populations can double every 20 minutes. This exponential growth is facilitated by the ability of bacteria to rapidly replicate their genetic material and divide into new daughter cells.