I. Cell division functions in reproduction, growth, and repair The perpetuation of life is based on the reproduction of cells or cell division . Replacement of damaged or dead cells. Cell division is a complex process that faithfully passes along the genome from one generation of cells to the next. Equally distributes the DNA to opposite ends of the cell. Total endowment of DNA unique to each species.
Prokaryotes are smaller and simpler than eukaryotes.
Consequently, bacterial chromosomes are highly folded and packed within the cell. Prokaryotes reproduce by binary fission , a process during which bacteria replicate their chromosomes and equally distribute copies between the two daughter cells. Between the attachment sites the membrane grows and separates the two copies of the chromosome. The bacterium grows to about twice its initial size, and the plasma membrane pinches inward. A cell wall forms across the bacterium between the two chromosomes, dividing the original cell into two daughter cells.