What process is used by bacteria to reproduce asexually?

Bacteria reproduce asexually primarily through a process known as binary fission. In binary fission, a single bacterial cell grows and then divides into two identical daughter cells. This process involves the replication of the bacterium's DNA, followed by the separation of the cell into two new cells, each containing an identical copy of the original DNA. This method allows for rapid population growth under favorable conditions, as one cell can divide into many in a short amount of time.

Meiosis, which is another form of cell division, is not utilized by bacteria as it leads to genetic diversity and is used primarily in sexual reproduction of eukaryotic organisms. Bud formation is a method of asexual reproduction seen in some yeasts and plants, but it is not how bacteria generally replicate. Conjugation is a form of horizontal gene transfer where two bacterial cells connect to exchange genetic material, which contributes to genetic diversity but does not result in direct reproduction of the bacteria involved. Thus, binary fission is the correct and most common method used by bacteria for asexual reproduction.