Question

Which of the following types of cell division can be observed in bacteria?
a. Amitotic
b. Mitotic
c. Meiotic
d. All of the above

Answer 1

Bacteria is a group of prokaryotes (organisms without a definite nucleus, possess a nucleoid and lack most cell organelles.) capable of normal life existence. Discovered by Van Leeuwenhoek in 1676. Example: Clostridium tetani, Staphylococcus aureus, etc.

Complete answer:
Bacteria are the organisms that belong to the prokaryotic group. They do not have a well-defined nucleus and lack a membrane-bound nucleus. So the correct option is A – Amitotic. They either reproduce through binary fission or by conjugation method

They can be classified as gram + and gram - based on the contents of their cell walls.
Gram - have less peptidoglycan, muramic acid.
Gram + have more peptidoglycan, muramic acid, and a little of teichoic acid.

- Apart from the cell wall, they can possess capsules (additional layers to protect them from toxins.).
- Unlike eukaryotes, they have a circular, simple chromosome. This is the main reason they can be easily used for bioengineering. (they reproduce quickly, producing thousands of offspring.).
- They are Autotrophs, feeding by photosynthesis, or Chemosynthesis.
- They are mostly rod-like but can also be spiral, comma-shaped, and others.
- They are known to cause lots of diseases
- Meiotic division takes place in germ cells or sex cells. So, option C) is incorrect.
- Mitotic division takes place in somatic cells. So, option B) is incorrect.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Bacteria comes under the category of Prokaryotes which doesn't have cell organelles. Bacteria have a cell wall that is made up of peptidoglycan (made up of NAG and NAM residues). Bacteria can be divided based on their shapes as coccus, bacillus, spiral, etc. Some bacteria are helpful (E. coli in our intestine) and some are harmful (disease-causing).