GENETICS

CELL DIVISION
AND REPRODUCTION
Module 2.1
MITOSIS
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LEARNING OUTCOMES

• Outline the different phases of the eukaryotic cell cycle (G0, G1,
S, G2 & M phases) and describe what is taking place in each of
these phases.

• Describe in detail and illustrate the process of mitosis,

commenting on the significance of this type of cell division.
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CELL TYPES
• The Cell Theory formulated by Schleiden & Schwann, states that
cells are the fundamental units of all living organisms.

• All living organisms are classified as either prokaryotic or

eukaryotic based on cellular architecture.

• Prokaryotic: These cells lack a nucleus and other membrane-

bound organelles.

• Eukaryotic: These cells contain a true membrane-bound nucleus

as well as a host of membrane-bound organelles.
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PROKARYOTIC CELL STRUCTURE
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EUKARYTOTIC CELL STRUCTURE

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PROKARYOTIC vs. EUKARYOTIC CELL
From a genetics perspective, there are two main differences:
(1)
• The genetic material of eukaryotes is found within a
membrane-bound nucleus.
• The genetic material of prokaryotes lies freely in the cytoplasm.
(2)
• Eukaryotic DNA is heavily packaged, wound tightly around
histone proteins to form linear chromosomes.
• Prokaryotic DNA is loosely arranged in a single circular
chromosome (no histones present).

• NOTE: Extra-nuclear genes also exist in eukaryotes and some

prokaryotes may have novel genes located on plasmids.
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CELLULAR REPRODUCTION PROCESS
For cellular reproduction, three fundamental events must occur:

1. The genetic information must be replicated.

2. The copies of genetic information must be separated from each

other.

3. The cell must then divide.

Cellular reproduction in prokaryotes is simpler than eukaryotic

cellular reproduction.
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PROKARYOTIC CELL REPRODUCTION- BINARY FISSION (MITOSIS)
• The cell elongates and the genetic material is replicated.

• Both sets of chromosomes, the original and the copy remain

attached to the cell membrane.

• The two copies of genetic information are then separated from

each other.

• A new cell wall is laid down between the two chromosomes.

• The two daughter cells are genetically identical (clones).

• Bacterial cells can divide every 20 minutes.

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PROKARYOTIC CELL REPRODUCTION- BINARY FISSION
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EUKARYOTIC CELL REPRODUCTION

• Eukaryotic cell reproduction is complex since there are multiple

chromosomes.

• Replication must be accurate to ensure that each new daughter

cell obtains a copy of each chromosome.

• A number of membrane-bound organelles must also be

distributed to daughter cells.

• The cell nucleus which contains the chromosomes comprises a

matrix of protein fibres which allows precise DNA replication.
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THE EUKARYOTIC CELL CYCLE (MITOSIS)
Eukaryotic cell reproduction consists of two main stages:

1. Interphase

• Cell growth and development takes place in this stage.

• The cell is preparing for division.
• It is the period between cell divisions.

2. M-phase (Mitotic phase)

• This is the period of active cell division.

• Firstly nuclear division or mitosis occurs.
• This is followed by cytokinesis or cytoplasmic division.
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EUKARYOTIC CELL CYCLE

(MITOSIS)
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-(fibrous structure located within the centromere)

 EUKARYOTIC CELL CYCLE
(MITOSIS) GE N E T I C S-I
EUKARYOTIC CELL CYCLE
(MITOSIS)
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EUKARYOTIC CELL CYCLE (MITOSIS)

X=2
2X = 4

= dyads
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EUKARYOTIC CELL CYCLE (MITOSIS)

• Mitosis results in genetically identical progeny or the production of

clones.

• Mitosis = reproduction in prokaryotes.

• Mitosis = growth and repair as well as asexual reproduction in

eukaryotes.
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SUMMARY
• Prokaryotes lack a nucleus and other membrane-bound organelles.

• Eukaryotes contain a true membrane-bound nucleus as well as a

host of membrane-bound organelles.

• Mitosis requires DNA replication, separation of the replicated DNA

and cell division.

• Mitosis = reproduction in prokaryotes.

• Mitosis = growth, repair and asexual reproduction in eukaryotes.

• Has two phases: interphase and M-phase.