How does Bacillus anthracis, anthrax reproduce?
B. anthracis reproduces asexually. It is a bacteria, and it will replicate its DNA, and then undergo mitosis, in which the 2 copies of DNA are separated, and the cell divides. This is contrast to Meiosis, which involved the formation of gametes (sperm and egg), which is how mammals reproduce. B. anthracis can form spores, which are the result of mitosis under situations of low moisture and low food. In this case, one of the two cells forms a hardened shell (the “spore coat”) and become resistant to heat, alcohol, UV, etc.
