Reclinomonas cells reproduce asexually by binary division. No sexual reproduction has been observed. The first sign of imminent cell division is the formation of two new basal bodies in the vicinity of the old ones. Just prior to prophase, the basal bodies split into two pairs, which then migrate to opposite ends of the cell. Flagella remain attached to the old basal bodies, and new flagella form on the new basal bodies.
Flagella remain attached throughout division.
The roots then progressively depolymerize posteriorly. At prophase, the basal bodies are located at the spindle poles. Each basal body pair is the focus for a cone of microtubules that extends toward and envelops the nucleus. Also, at each basal body pair, new microtubular roots have begun to form. The nuclear envelope initially remains intact, but later dissipates, at which time the microtubules enter the nucleus and become associated with chromosomes.