Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. This process is essential for growth, development, and repair in multicellular organisms. There are two main types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis is a type of cell division that results in two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis is a type of cell division that results in four daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Meiosis is important for sexual reproduction, as it produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the genetic material of the parent cell.
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Google Gemini AI
Sep 13
Cell Division
Cell division is the process by which a cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It is essential for growth, development, and reproduction in all living organisms. There are two main types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis
- Occurs in somatic (body) cells - Produces two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell - Consists of four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase
Phases of Mitosis:
- Prophase: Chromosomes condense and become visible. Nuclear membrane breaks down. - Metaphase: Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell. - Anaphase: Sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. - Telophase: Two new nuclear membranes form around the chromosomes. Cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis).
Meiosis
- Occurs in reproductive cells (eggs and sperm) - Produces four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell - Consists of two divisions: meiosis I and meiosis II
Phases of Meiosis:
Meiosis I:
- Prophase I: Chromosomes pair up and exchange genetic material (crossing over). - Metaphase I: Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell. - Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. - Telophase I: Two daughter cells are formed, each with one copy of each chromosome.
Meiosis II:
- Prophase II: Chromosomes condense and nuclear membrane breaks down. - Metaphase II: Chromosomes line up in the center of the cell. - Anaphase II: Sister chromatids of each chromosome separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. - Telophase II: Four daughter cells are formed, each with half the number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Significance of Cell Division
- Growth and development: Allows organisms to increase in size and complexity. - Tissue repair: Replaces damaged or old cells. - Reproduction: Produces gametes (eggs and sperm) in sexually reproducing organisms. - Genetic variation: Meiosis introduces genetic variation through crossing over and independent assortment of chromosomes. - Evolution: Over time, genetic variation and selection can lead to the evolution of new species.