Question

Why are most monerans genetically identical?

Answer 1

Most prokaryotes reproduce asexually through binary fission. This is where the cell makes a duplicate of itself and one DNA molecule passes into a newly formed cell. These two cells are genetically identical. Binary fission does not allow for the bacteria to acquire genetic diversity. This diversity is needed for bacteria to withstand changing environments. Bacteria have the ability to shuffle genes through several processes. These processes include transformation, conjugation, and transduction.