What is the process by which bacteria multiply themselves?

Bacteria multiply through a process called binary fission, which is a form of asexual reproduction. Here's a step-by-step explanation of binary fission:

Replication of Genetic Material:

The process begins with the replication of the bacterial DNA. The circular bacterial chromosome is duplicated.
Cell Elongation:

The cell elongates as the replicated DNA starts to move to opposite ends (poles) of the bacterial cell.
Septum Formation:

A septum (a partition or wall) starts to form at the center of the cell, which eventually divides the bacterial cell into two.
Completion of Cell Division:

The septum continues to develop until it completely divides the cell into two separate daughter cells, each with its own set of replicated DNA.
Formation of Daughter Cells:

Finally, the cell wall and cell membrane around the septum are synthesized, resulting in the formation of two individual, genetically identical daughter cells.
Binary fission is a rapid and efficient process, allowing bacteria to multiply and increase their population quickly under favorable conditions. The time it takes for a bacterial population to double is known as the generation time, and this can vary among different bacterial species. Some bacteria can undergo binary fission every 20 minutes or even less, leading to exponential growth under optimal conditions.