CELL DIVISION

Cell division is a fundamental

process
All cells come from pre-existing cells
It is necessary to replace worn out cells in multicellular
organisms,
It is required for growth in multicellular organisms
An increase in size will require an increase in surface area to volume
ration
Cell division subdivides the cytoplasm into small units (cells)
surrounded by plasma membranes
It is necessary for reproduction in unicellular or multicellular
organisms

2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

Keeping The Cells Identical
The instructions for making cell parts are encoded in
the DNA, so each new cell must get a complete set of
the DNA molecule
Prokaryotes
Prokaryotes have no
nucleus
They have a single circular
chromosome
Prokaryotes simply divide
their cells in two by binary
fission

http://instruct1.cit.cornell.edu/
2007 Paul Billiet ODWS
Eukaryotes
Eukaryotes must divide their nucleus (and other
organelles such as mitochondria) in preparation for cell
division (mitosis or meiosis)
Before the nucleus divides the genetic material
replicates (duplicates)

2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

 Original DNA
DNA Replication strand
DNA must be copied or
replicated before cell division
Two new,
Each new cell all then have
an identical copy of the DNA identical DNA
strands
DNA in Chromosomes
DNA is tightly coiled
around proteins called
histones.
Chromosomes in Dividing Cells
Duplicated chromosomes
are called chromatids and
are held by the centromere
Cell Cycle
G1 primary growth phase
S synthesis-> DNA
replication
G2 secondary growth phase

M mitosis

G0 resting cell
Mitosis
Mitotic division results in
genetically identical
eukaryotic cells (a clone)
Mitosis is the basis of
asexual reproduction

Tyler Junior College, (no

commercial use allowed - contact
bott@tjc.edu for permission to use)

2007 Paul Billiet ODWS

Mitosis
Division of cell nucleus
Also called karyokinesis
Only occurs in eukaryotes
Has four stages
Doesnt occur in some
cells such as brain cells
Stages of mitosis
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Prophase
Early Prophase
Chromatin in nucleus condenses to form visible chromosomes
Mitosis spindle forms from fibers in cytoskeleton (in plant cell)
or centrioles (in animal)
Prophase
Late prophase
Nuclear membrane and nucleus are broken down
Chromosomes continue condensing and are clearly
visible
Spindle fibers called kinetochores attach to the
centromere of each chromosome
Spindle finishes forming between the poles of the cell
Metaphase
Sister chromatids (pairs of
chromosomes) attach to
the spindle fibers and
aligned in the equator of
the cell
Anaphase
The centromeres divide. At this
point, each individual chromosome
goes from:
1 chromosome with 2 chromatids
to:
2 chromosomes with one chromatid
each.

Then the spindle fibers contract, and

the chromosomes are pulled to
opposite poles, towards the
centrosomes
Telophase
The cell actually divides.
The chromosomes are at the poles of
the spindle.
The spindle disintegrates
The nuclear envelope re-forms around
the two sets of chromosomes.
The cytoplasm is divided into 2
separate cells, leads the process of
cytokinesis.
Cytokinesis
The organelles (other than the chromosomes)
get divided up into the 2 daughter cells
passively: they go with whichever cell they find
themselves in.
Plant and animal cells divide the cytoplasm in
different ways.
Cytokinesis in Animal Cells
In animal cells, a ring of actin
fibers (microfilaments are
composed of actin) forms
around the cell equator and
contacts, pinching the cell in
half.
Cytokinesis in Plant Cell
In plant cells, a new cell wall
made of cellulose forms
between the 2 new nuclei,
about where the chromosomes
lined up in metaphase.
Cell membranes form along
the surfaces of this wall.
When the new wall joins with
the existing side wall, the 2
cells have become separate.
Summary of Mitosis
Prophase:
Chromosomes condense
Nuclear envelope disappears
centrosomes move to opposite sides of the cell
Spindle forms and attaches to centromeres on the chromosomes

Metaphase
Chromosomes lined up on equator of spindle
centrosomes at opposite ends of cell

Anaphase
Centromeres divide: each 2-chromatid chromosome becomes two 1-chromatid chromosomes
Chromosomes pulled to opposite poles by the spindle

Telophase
Chromosomes de-condense
Nuclear envelope reappears
Cytokinesis: the cytoplasm is divided into 2 cells
Summary of Cell Cycle
Meiosis
Meiosis results in a halving of the chromosome number
in preparation for fertilisation
Meiosis shuffles genes in new combinations
Meiosis results in genetically different cells
Meiosis and fertilisation are the basis of sexual
reproduction

2007 Paul Billiet ODWS