This document describes asexual reproduction through binary fission in prokaryotes and some eukaryotes. The process involves a single parent cell replicating its DNA, attaching copies to the cell membrane, and then dividing into two identical daughter cells of equal size. An experiment is outlined to observe differences in bacterial growth from dirty versus clean hands by placing fingers on labeled areas of an agar petri dish and incubating.

2.  Offspring from a single parent
 Genetically Identical Offspring
 Single celled organisms
 Many plants and fungi

4.  Cell separates into two new cells
 Prokaryotes and some Eukaryotes
 All bacteria
 Two identical cells
 Bacteria DNA has high mutation rate
 Genetic change – develop resistance to antibiotics and
invade a wide range of environments

6.  Before it divides it grows so the new cells are the
correct size, not smaller
 The Single DNA molecule first replicates.
 It then attaches each copy to a different part of cell
membrane

7.  Observe the bacteria growth from dirty hands and
‘clean’ hands

8.  Bacteria levels will be greater from dirty hands and,
therefore, we will see greatest growth here with more
visible colonies

9.  Petri dish with agar (medium and nutrients)
 Use a vivid to divide it in half
 Label one half BW the other AW
 Place three fingers on the BW side
 Wash your hands with soap and place the same three
fingers on AW side
 Close dish, tape it closed and write initials on it.
 Store in incubator

10. Controls/Factors of Experiment
 Agar
 Upside down
 Tape
 Before washing and after washing
 Incubator