CELL DIVISION

TYPES OF CELL DIVISION

There are two basic types of cell division: Mitosis which results in all daughter cells having the same number of chromosomes as the parent Meiosis which results in the daughter cells having only half the number of chromosomes found in the parent cell

CHROMOSOMES
Chromosomes carry the hereditary material DNA (15 %). In addition they are made up of protein (70 %). They are also made up of RNA (10 %). Individual chromosomes are not visible in a non dividing cell, but the chromosomal material can be seen, especially if stained. This is called chromatin. Each chromosome is seen to consist two threads called chromatids joined at a point called the centromere.

CHROMOSOME NUMBER

The number of chromosomes varies from one species to another but is always the same for normal individuals of one species.
Species Allium cepa Zea mays Lycopersicon esculentum Chromosome number 16 20 24

Locusta migratoria Homo sapiens

Solanum tuberosum

24 46
48

THE CELL CYCLE

Dividing cells undergo a regular pattern of events, known as the cell cycle. This cycle may be divided into two basic parts:

Interphase Mitosis

INTERPHASE
This is the part before mitosis when the cells are preparing for division. The undergo a period of intense chemical activity. The amount of DNA is doubled during this period. Interphase is divided into three phases:

First growth phase G1 , Synthesis phase (S), and Second growth phase G2

During all three phases, the cell grows by producing proteins and cytoplasmic organelles.

INTERPHASE CONTD
However, chromosomes are replicated only during the S phase. Hence, a cell grows (G1), continues to grow as it duplicates its chromosomes (S), grows more and prepares for mitosis (G2), and finally it divides (M) before restarting the cycle

The Cell Cycle

MITOSIS
The mitotic phase is a relatively short period of the cell cycle. The primary result of mitosis is the division of the parent cell's genome into two daughter cells.

PHASES OF MITOSIS

Mitosis has 4 basic subphases: Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase

PROPHASE
Chromosomes become visible. They are delicate coiled filaments at first, but later shorten and thicken. Each chromosome divides longitudinally into two chromatids. The chromatids, two of these constituting a chromosome, remain attached at some point along their length. This zone of attachment is called the centromere and may be located anywhere along the length of the two chromatids. Centrioles migrate to opposite nuclear poles.

PROPHASE CONTD
Nucleolus disappears. This event occurs in late prophase. Nuclear membrane disappears. This event also occurs in late prophase. Mitotic spindle appears. The mitotic spindle is a system of microtubules, which develop in the area between the two centrioles.

METAPHASE
Chromosomes become fully condensed and their centromeres aligned midway in the mitotic spindle. Contraction of these fibers draws the individual chromatids slightly apart.

METAPHASE CONTD
Mitotic spindle becomes fully developed. Two groups of microtubules form the spindle: chromosomal tubules and continuous tubules. The latter are not attached to the centriole at the other pole. Disappearance of the nuclear envelope and nucleolus.

ANAPHASE
Centromeres split. The splitting may be due to the pull exerted on them by the microtubules as they move in opposite directions. Each chromatid is now called a chromosome. Chromosomes move to opposite poles of the cell. In moving toward the cell pole, each chromosome travels with the kinetochore leading the way, the remainder of the chromosome appearing to be dragged behind. Anaphase is concluded when the two chromosomal masses have moved to opposite poles of the cell. Centrioles divide.

TELOPHASE
Constriction begins to separate cells. Chromosomes lose their identity. They straighten out into long thin strands, and they are so fine that they are beyond the resolution of the light microscope. Nuclear membrane appears. Nucleolus appears. Organelles distributed between two daughter cells. They are distributed in approximately equal numbers.

CYTOKINESIS
In animal cells a cleavage furrow forms that essentially pinches the cell in two. Each daughter cell has a complete copy of the genome of its parent cell. The end of cytokinesis marks the end of the Mphase.

HOW TO REMEMBER THE STAGES OF THE CELL CYCLE

Use the following acronym "I-PMAT", with the slightly gross sentence I peed on the MAT!!! This will help you to remember Interphase, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase in the proper order.

HOME WORK
(1) What is the significance of mitosis? (2) What is Kinetochore?