What process describes the division of one bacterium into two identical cells?

The process that describes the division of one bacterium into two identical cells is binary fission. This is a form of asexual reproduction commonly seen in prokaryotic organisms such as bacteria. In binary fission, a bacterium grows to a certain size, replicates its genetic material, and then divides into two equal parts, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells.

During binary fission, the cell's DNA is copied, and as the cell prepares to divide, the two DNA molecules are separated, followed by the constriction of the cell membrane and cell wall. This results in two cells that are clones of the original, each containing identical genetic information. This method of reproduction allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions, as a single bacterium can divide several times in a short period, exponentially increasing the number of bacteria.