How do bacteria primarily reproduce?

Bacteria primarily reproduce through a process known as binary fission. This method is highly efficient and allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions. During binary fission, a single bacterial cell enlarges and replicates its DNA, eventually splitting into two genetically identical daughter cells. This form of asexual reproduction is vital for bacteria, as it enables them to quickly adapt to their environments and colonize new areas.

While options like producing spores, budding, or other methods exist in various organisms, they do not represent the primary reproductive strategy for bacteria. Spores are more commonly associated with certain fungi and some bacteria for survival in adverse conditions, and budding is a form of reproduction seen in some yeasts and other organisms, not in typical bacterial reproduction. Thus, understanding binary fission is crucial for grasping the fundamental life processes of bacteria in landscape horticulture and broader biological contexts.