Bacteria reproduction occurs both sexually and asexually. Generally, bacteria reproduce asexually by a process called – binary fission. In this process, the bacteria cell splits into two genetically identical copies of itself.

Bacteria can not reproduce sexually but can exchange their genetic information using their pilus. This process is known as conjugation. Following this, bacteria exchange genetic materials to develop new characteristics to survive in new environments. In this article, we will discuss the answer to the question “Do Bacteria Reproduce Sexually Or Asexually?”

How Do Bacteria Reproduce?

Bacteria are the microscopic single-celled organism that follows the asexual reproduction process. It is a natural asexual reproduction process. In this, a single Bacteria cell divides both physically and genetically into two identical cells without any involvement of gametes under some harsh conditions. Bacterias also do the genetic transfer through recombination process. It creates the non-identical daughter cells of the parent bacteria.

The concept of bacterial sexual reproduction does not exist as bacteria do not produce any gametes for their reproduction. However, there is a specific process that looks like the sexual reproduction. In this, the bacteria cells involve the exchange of DNA. This particular process is called bacterial recombination.

Also Read: Linkage And Recombination

Bacterial Recombination

Bacterial Recombination is a genetic transmission process that generally involves transfer of the DNA from one bacteria cell to another. The process is also important for the bacteria cells to create variation in their gene. It also helps the bacteria cells to build resistance against antibiotics and other factors that can harm the bacterial cells. It is a specific process that is not sexual in nature but looks like the sexual reproduction.

There are three major and distinct bacterial recombination process as mentioned below.

Transformation

In this method of bacteria reproduction, bacteria collect and use genetic material or exogenous DNA from the environment. The Bacteria cells that take the DNA are known as the transformant. In this process, Bacteria cells incorporate the naked DNA or recombinant DNA in a particular environment. The plasmid copied to the receiving cell and later on it passed on to its future cells.

Transduction

This method uses a bacteriophage. It is a process where the bacteria transfers its genetic information from one bacteria to another through a virus. Here two bacteria cells do not maintain any direct contact between them. These virus are not virulent in nature.

Conjugation

This method occurs between two different bacteria. In this, the bacteria are involved in the transfer of DNA from one bacterium to another. It is a parasexual process in bacteria. Bacteria shows the conjugation in a dimorphic way. It means that they have two types of cells including one male (F+) or donor cell and a female (F-) or recipient cell.

Also Read: Lysogenic Cycle – Definition, Structure, Steps, Examples and FAQs

Asexual Reproduction in Bacteria

Bacteria are single-celled organisms that reproduce by the asexual reproduction process. It is a natural asexual reproduction process where a single Bacteria cell divides both physically and genetically into two identical cells under some bad conditions. There are so many asexual reproduction processes Bacteria generally follow as mentioned below.

Budding

In the budding process, a group of bacteria reproduces their future traits.

In this process the small bud forms at the end of the mother cell or on filaments. These small buds are called prosthecae. Example: Caulobacter, Hyphomicrobium, and Stella spp.

• In this asexual reproduction process, the bacterial cell develops small buds on one side.
• They start to increase continuously in their size.
• The nucleus of bacteria also undergoes division.
• One part with some cytoplasm enters the swelling.
• The other part stays intact with the mother cell.
• The bud eventually gets separated from the mother cell by creating a partition wall.
• This bud grows into a little individual.
• The nucleus divides at the same time with some cytoplasm.
• After reaching the full maturity level, a partition wall separates the bud from the parent cell.

Also Read: Asexual Reproduction and Its Types with Examples

Binary Fission

Binary fission is an asexual reproduction process where a single bacterial cell divides into two daughter cells.

It is the most used reproduction process by so many bacteria. Example: Salmonella and E.coli.

• The bacterial cell reaches the critical mass with its general form and cell components.
• The circular double-stranded DNA of it undergoes the replication process.
• New complementary strands formed after the replication.
• These two DNA strands move to the different poles of the cell.
• A transverse septum generally develops in the middle region of the bacteria cell.
• It process separates the two identical daughter cells.
• It is a rapid process that takes a few minutes to proceed.

Also Read: Types of Asexual Reproduction

Conidia

Asexual reproduction in bacteria can be possible through conidia. Conidia are small, spherical, spring like structure that are created by a transverse wall at the terminals of the filaments. Example: Streptomyces.

• The formation of conidia starts in the filamentous bacteria.
• The part that holds the conidia is known as the conidiophore.
• Later it detaches from the mother cell.
• In a suitable environment, it germinates to give rise to new mycelium.

Cyst Formation

The cyst formation occurs when the cell wall of the bacteria get more thicker with the cytoplasm contract. Bacterial cysts have a thick structure that is resistant to the harmful conditions.

• Cysts are generally formed when the extra layers form around the mother bacterium cell.
• They work as protective structures during harsh conditions.
• In this time the metabolic processes slow down within the cysts.
• Cysts protect bacteria from harmful environmental changes.
• When conditions become favorable again, cysts undergo excystation that breaks down the cyst wall and help them to germinate a new bacteria.

Also Read: Cell Division

Endospore Formation

Endospore formation is a process of spores formation that happens within bacteria that enables them to survive in adverse conditions. Endospores are spores that are formed within bacteria that is also known as sporangia.

• Endospores in a bacterial cell are formed during uncertain conditions.
• They generally contain a central protoplast.
• The core of the endospores consists of DNA, ribosomes, enzymes, and the t-RNA.
• Only one endospore can be formed in one bacterial cell during germination.

Also Read: How do organism Reproduce?

Bacterial Recombination Vs Asexual Reproduction in Bacteria

Here are the major differences between Bacterial Recombination and Asexual Reproduction in Bacteria as mentioned below.