During binary fission, what occurs after the cell gets bigger?

In binary fission, which is the asexual reproduction method commonly used by bacteria, the process begins with the cell increasing in size. After the cell grows larger, the next critical step is the replication of DNA. This ensures that each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the genetic material. Following this replication, the cell prepares to divide.

The correct sequence is that after the cell reaches its appropriate size, DNA replication occurs, ensuring both resulting cells have the necessary genetic information. Subsequently, the cytoplasm divides, allowing for the physical separation of the two new cells, which involves the formation of new cell walls as a final step.

Choosing "new cell walls begin to form" as the answer would imply that the cell walls are forming before the cytoplasm has divided and the DNA has been replicated. However, it is essential to understand that cell wall formation is part of the process that finalizes the division into two separate entities. Thus, the actual sequence of events following cell growth begins with DNA replication, then cytoplasm division, and finally the formation of new cell walls to separate the daughter cells.