What is the primary mode of reproduction for prokaryotes?

The primary mode of reproduction for prokaryotes, which include bacteria and archaea, is binary fission. This process is a form of asexual reproduction where a single prokaryotic cell divides into two identical daughter cells. During binary fission, the cell replicates its genetic material and then divides in half, ensuring that each new cell inherits a complete copy of the DNA. This method allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions, as a simple and efficient way to reproduce does not require the complexities associated with sexual reproduction.

In contrast, sexual reproduction involves the combination of genetic material from two parent organisms, which is not typically observed in prokaryotes. Budding and fragmentation are reproduction methods found in some eukaryotic organisms, and while prokaryotes can exhibit variations of these processes, they are not the primary modes of reproduction in this group. Thus, binary fission is the characteristic and predominant method by which prokaryotes reproduce, affirming the choice as the correct answer.