Michigan Food Safety Management Practice Test

What process do bacteria use to multiply by splitting into two?

1. Binary Fusion

2. Binary Fission

3. Cell Division

4. Microbial Growth

The correct answer is: Binary Fission

Bacteria multiply primarily through a process called binary fission. In binary fission, a single bacterial cell grows and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This method of reproduction is efficient, allowing for rapid population increases under favorable conditions. During binary fission, the bacterial chromosome is replicated, and as the cell grows, the two copies of the chromosome move to opposite sides of the cell. The cell membrane then constricts, and a new cell wall forms between the two chromosomes, ultimately resulting in the separation of the two new cells. This process is remarkably straightforward and typically occurs within a relatively short time frame, enabling bacteria to thrive in various environments. The other choices, while related to cellular processes, do not specifically refer to the bacterial reproduction method in question. For instance, cell division is a broader term that encompasses various mechanisms of cellular replication, not limited to bacteria alone. Microbial growth often describes overall increases in microbial populations but does not detail the specific mechanism used by bacteria to reproduce. Binary fusion appears to be a typographical error, as the proper term is binary fission. Understanding binary fission is essential in food safety management, as it highlights how quickly bacterial populations can increase, emphasizing the importance of proper food handling and storage practices.