During binary fission in a bacterium, which event occurs to produce two genetically identical daughter cells?

• A. Multiple chromosomes replicate independently and segregate during spindle formation.
• B. The circular chromosome is replicated and the cell divides by forming a septum, yielding two daughter cells with the same DNA.
• C. The cell forms haploid gametes through meiosis before splitting into two cells.
• D. The nucleus undergoes mitosis followed by cytokinesis to produce two daughter cells.

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that binary fission is the process by which bacteria reproduce asexually, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.
2. Recognize that bacteria typically have a single circular chromosome, unlike eukaryotic cells which have multiple linear chromosomes.
3. Recall that during binary fission, the circular chromosome is duplicated through DNA replication, ensuring each daughter cell receives an identical copy.
4. Know that after replication, the cell elongates and a septum (a dividing wall) forms between the two copies of the chromosome, physically separating the cell into two parts.
5. Finally, the septum completes division, resulting in two daughter cells each containing one copy of the original circular chromosome, making them genetically identical.