Bacterial cell division primarily occurs through a process called binary fission. In this method, a single bacterial cell grows in size and then replicates its DNA. Once the DNA is copied, the cell elongates, and the two DNA molecules move to opposite ends of the cell. After the DNA has separated, the cell membrane pinches inward, forming a septum that divides the cell into two daughter cells. Each daughter cell is genetically identical to the original cell, allowing for rapid population growth under favorable conditions. This simple and efficient process enables bacteria to thrive in various environments.