Describe how bacteria reproduce.

Bacteria primarily reproduce through binary fission, a simple, asexual process. In binary fission, the bacterial cell first replicates its circular DNA, and the two copies of the DNA move to opposite ends of the cell. The cell then elongates, and a septum forms in the middle, dividing the cytoplasm and DNA into two halves. Finally, the cell membrane pinches off, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. This method allows bacteria to reproduce rapidly under favorable environmental conditions.