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Cell division

Cell division is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms, primarily occurring through mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells for sexual reproduction. Key differences include the number of divisions, chromosome number, and genetic variation, with disorders like cancer and Down Syndrome linked to errors in these processes.

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15 views4 pages

Cell division

Cell division is essential for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms, primarily occurring through mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair, while meiosis produces four genetically diverse daughter cells for sexual reproduction. Key differences include the number of divisions, chromosome number, and genetic variation, with disorders like cancer and Down Syndrome linked to errors in these processes.

Uploaded by

ngarekuemupahua
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Cell division

Cell division is a fascinating and crucial process for the growth, repair, and reproduction of
living organisms. There are two main types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Let’s break
down both:

1. Mitosis (For Growth and Repair)


Mitosis is the process through which a somatic cell (any cell in the body that's not a sex cell)
divides into two genetically identical daughter cells. This is essential for growth, tissue repair,
and asexual reproduction.
Stages of Mitosis:
Mitosis is divided into five stages:
1. Interphase (Before Mitosis Begins)

o G1 phase: The cell grows and carries out normal functions.

o S phase: DNA is replicated, so the cell now has two copies of its
chromosomes.
o G2 phase: The cell continues to grow and prepares for mitosis.

o Note: Interphase is not technically part of mitosis, but it’s crucial because the
cell prepares for division during this time.
2. Prophase:

o Chromosomes condense (become visible under a microscope).

o The nuclear membrane begins to break down.

o The mitotic spindle, a structure made of microtubules, begins to form, which


will help pull the chromosomes apart.
3. Metaphase:

o Chromosomes line up at the metaphase plate (the center of the cell).

o The spindle fibers attach to the centromere (the middle part) of each
chromosome.
4. Anaphase:

o The sister chromatids (the two identical copies of each chromosome) are
pulled apart toward opposite sides of the cell by the spindle fibers.
o This ensures that each daughter cell will have an identical set of
chromosomes.
5. Telophase:
o The chromatids reach the poles of the cell and begin to de-condense back into
chromatin.
o The nuclear membrane re-forms around the two sets of chromosomes.

6. Cytokinesis (Occurs simultaneously with Telophase):

o The cytoplasm divides, creating two distinct daughter cells.

o In animal cells, the cell membrane pinches in (like a belt tightening) to split
the cell. In plant cells, a cell plate forms, eventually leading to the formation
of a new cell wall.

2. Meiosis (For Reproduction)


Meiosis is a type of cell division that reduces the chromosome number by half, producing
four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the
original cell. This is essential for sexual reproduction and ensures genetic diversity.
Meiosis occurs only in germ cells (sperm and eggs in animals), and it involves two rounds of
division: Meiosis I and Meiosis II.
Stages of Meiosis:
1. Interphase (same as in mitosis)

o DNA is replicated, but the cell prepares for two rounds of division.

Meiosis I (Reduction Division: Reduces chromosome number by half):


2. Prophase I:

o Chromosomes condense and become visible.

o Homologous chromosomes (chromosomes with the same genes, but


potentially different versions or alleles) pair up in a process called synapsis.
o Crossing-over occurs, where parts of chromosomes are exchanged between
homologous chromosomes, leading to genetic diversity.
o The nuclear membrane breaks down, and the spindle apparatus begins to form.

3. Metaphase I:

o Homologous chromosomes line up in pairs along the metaphase plate.

4. Anaphase I:

o Homologous chromosomes are pulled apart to opposite sides of the cell.


Unlike mitosis, the sister chromatids remain attached.
5. Telophase I:

o The cell divides into two daughter cells, each with half the chromosome
number (haploid).
o The nuclear membrane reforms.

Meiosis II (Similar to Mitosis: Separating sister chromatids):


6. Prophase II:

o Chromosomes condense again (if they had uncoiled after Meiosis I).

o The spindle apparatus reforms.

7. Metaphase II:

o Chromosomes line up at the center of the cell (like in mitosis).

8. Anaphase II:

o The sister chromatids are finally pulled apart toward opposite poles.

9. Telophase II:

o The nuclear membranes re-form, and the cytoplasm divides.

10. Cytokinesis:

 The two cells from Meiosis I divide, resulting in four haploid daughter cells, each
with half the original number of chromosomes.

Key Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis:


Feature Mitosis Meiosis
Growth, repair, asexual
Purpose Sexual reproduction
reproduction
Number of
1 (division of nucleus) 2 (Meiosis I and II)
Divisions
Chromosome Same number as parent
Half the number (haploid)
Number cell (diploid)
No variation (identical High variation (due to crossing-over and
Genetic Variation
cells) independent assortment)
Daughter Cells 2 identical daughter cells 4 genetically different cells
Why is Cell Division Important?
 Growth: As organisms grow, their cells divide to increase the number of cells.
 Repair and Healing: When tissues are damaged, cells divide to replace the damaged
ones.
 Reproduction: In sexual reproduction, meiosis ensures that offspring inherit a mix of
genes from both parents, increasing genetic diversity.
 Genetic Diversity: During meiosis, processes like crossing-over create new
combinations of genes, which contribute to genetic variation within a population.

Disorders Related to Cell Division


 Cancer: This is often caused by uncontrolled cell division. When the mechanisms
regulating cell division fail, cells can divide uncontrollably, forming tumors.
 Down Syndrome: Caused by nondisjunction during meiosis, where an error leads to
an extra chromosome (in this case, an extra copy of chromosome 21).
 Klinefelter Syndrome: Caused by an extra X chromosome in males (XXY)

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