EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Given their asexual method of reproduction, it is tempting to think that bacteria are sorely lacking in genetic variation, but this is not the case. Prokaryotic cells have developed a number of methods for recombining their genetic material, which, in turn, contributes to their genetic diversity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Most bacteria rely on binary fission for propagation. Conceptually this is a simple process; a cell just needs to grow to twice its starting size and then split in two.

Detailed explanation-3: -Binary fission is a type of reproduction in which the chromosome is replicated and the resultant prokaryote is an exact copy of the parental prokaryate, thus leaving no opportunity for genetic diversity.

Detailed explanation-4: -In prokaryotes, horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the introduction of genetic material from one organism to another organism within the same generation, is an important way to introduce genetic diversity. HGT allows even distantly related species to share genes, influencing their phenotypes.