Bacterial genetics is the study of how genes are organized and regulated in bacteria. Bacteria, such as Escherichia coli, have a simpler genetic structure compared to eukaryotes, typically consisting of a single circular chromosome. They can also contain plasmids, which are small, circular DNA molecules that can carry additional genes, often related to antibiotic resistance. Bacteria reproduce asexually through binary fission, allowing for rapid population growth. Genetic variation in bacteria can occur through processes like mutation, transformation, transduction, and conjugation. These mechanisms enable bacteria to adapt to changing environments and develop new traits, such as resistance to antibiotics.