Prokaryotic cell division [take a quiz on this topic]

Chapter Five: Cell Reproduction Organization of DNA Prokaryotic cell division The cell cycle Mitosis Cytokinesis

Cell division in prokaryotic organisms is significantly simpler than that in eukaryotes. This is because prokaryotes have much less complex DNA, and they do not have to worry about ensuring that each of the new cells receives an approximately equal number of organelles.

All cells reproduce by actually dividing down the middle until the cell membrane pinches closed and two new "daughter" cells are formed. In prokaryotes, there is very little else to discuss. Once the DNA of the cell is replicated (using a process which will be discussed in the next chapter), each copy moves toward an opposite side of the cell by attaching to the cell membrane. The cell then elongates until it is approximately double its original size. Finally, the cell membrane on either side pinches inward and forms two new cells.