CHAPTER IV 

 REPRODUCTION OF BACTERIA 



Introduction. The process of reproduction among bacteria 

 is exceedingly interesting. If proper food and environment are 

 present, the bacterial cell multiplies at a certain stage of its 

 existence. Reproduction is entirely asexual. The term " re- 

 production," as it is usually applied, not only includes the 

 production of new individuals but also an increase in the num- 

 ber of individuals. The process is slightly different in the 

 lower and the higher bacteria, and, consequently, reproduc- 

 tion will be considered separately for each class. 



Reproduction among the Haplobacteria (Lower Bacteria) 



Fission. The method of reproduction among these forms 

 is by binary division, or fission. The cell about to multiply 

 elongates slightly and gradually becomes constricted in the 

 center from all sides in transverse diameter to the long axis 

 of the cell (Fig. 31). The constriction becomes deeper and 

 deeper, carrying in the chitinous or cellulose-like wall, and finally 

 the two parts of the original cell remain attached by only a 

 thin thread. Bacterial cells follow the same laws of cell di- 

 vision as most animal and plant cells. The cell usually in- 



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