Final answer:
Bacteria use the origin of replication, or oriV, for replication during binary fission, where DNA replication begins and continues bidirectionally. The oriV is essential for rapid bacterial DNA synthesis and cell division.
Step-by-step explanation:
The bacteria use the origin of replication (oriV) for replication during the process called binary fission, which is a mechanism for cell division. In bacteria like E. coli, this takes place on the single circular chromosome. DNA replication begins at the oriV and continues bidirectionally around the chromosome. The oriV is rich in AT sequences and is recognized by proteins that initiate the replication process. Once the oriV is bound by these proteins, an enzyme called helicase unwinds the DNA to form two replication forks that extend in both directions as replication proceeds. The rapid and highly efficient replication of bacterial DNA in this manner allows bacteria to divide rapidly, ensuring their proliferation.