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Lecture 3 - Cell Division - Mitosisdocx

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Lecture 3 - Cell Division - Mitosisdocx

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IA6919 abdirashiid mohamed
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© © All Rights Reserved
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LECTURE 3

CELL DIVISION – MITOSIS

The following are the definitions of some of the terms used in this lecture:

1. Chromatin 1. Tangled mass of threads of DNA within a nucleus when a


eukaryotic cell is not undergoing division
2. Chromosomes 2. At cell division, chromatin becomes highly coiled and condensed,
and visible as chromosomes
3. Diploid (2n) 3. Two sets of chromosomes in somatic (body) cells, e.g. humans
number have 2n = 46
4. Haploid (n) 4. One set of chromosomes, usually restricted to sex cells, e.g.
number human sperm and eggs have n= 23
5. Somatic 5. Body cell
6. Centromere 6. Region of constriction on a chromosome, where sister chromatids
are attached.
7. Chromatids 7. Are two parts of a chromosome, at the beginning of cell division,
that are attached at a centromere, each consists of a DNA
molecule identical to the DNA molecule of the other

Introduction
According to the cell theory cell arise from existing cells- ie organisms start their existence as
single cells. Since organisms start from one cell, yet adults may contain billions of cells, a process
for producing new identical cells is required. Likewise, most cells have a relatively short life so
they must constantly be replaced. Two methods of cell division occur- somatic cell division
(mitosis) and reduction cell division (meiosis). In this lecture we will discuss the process of mitotic
cell division in higher plants.

1
Mitotic cell division
This is the division which involves the somatic (body) cells. In plants this mainly occurs in the
root and shoot tips (meristems). Somatic (body) cells undergo mitosis for development, growth,
and repair of multicellular organisms Mitosis leaves the chromosome number constant and gives
rise to identical daughter nuclei that are also 2n.
Cell division in involves nuclear division (karyokinesis) and cytokinesis (division of the
cytoplasm). During mitosis the behaviour of the chromosomes is the most important feature.
During the process, there is doubling of chromosomes and even distribution of the halves among
the daughter cells. A chromosome begins cell division with two sister chromatids
1) Sister chromatids are two parts of a chromosome, at the beginning of cell division,
that are attached at a centromere; each consists of a DNA molecule identical to the
DNA molecule of the other chromatid
2) Centromere = a region of constriction on a chromosome, where sister chromatids
are attached.

2
Phases of Mitosis
Mitosis has continuous overlapping phases consisting of:
1. Interphase
2. Prophase
3. Metaphase
4. Anaphase
5. Telophase

Let us now examine these phases into detail


Interphase
This is the phase between successive mitotic divisions. It is the period of normal metabolic activity
It is divided into three sub-phases:
G1 – This is a period of normal metabolic cellular activities: Protein synthesis (transcription,
translation) and growth of the cytoplasmic materials including the organelles
S –During this period the DNA is duplicated, and the chromosomes now consist of two chromatids
joined at the centromere
G2 – In this sub-phase metabolic activities take place in preparation for mitosis. This is a period
of post DNA synthesis. Chromosomes are long and appear as chromatin.

3
Prophase
This is the longest mitotic stage. During this phase chromatin condenses and chromosomes become
visible. Each chromosome is made up of two chromatids joined at centromereNucleolus and
nuclear envelope disappear. Spindle apparatus starts to form in late prophase and the cell quickly
passes to metaphase.

Metaphase
The formation of the spindle structure is complete. The chromosomes are attached to the Spindle
to kinetochores. Kinetochores are protein containing structures, one on each chromatid, associated
with the centromere.
Chromosomes align on the equatorial plane (metaphase plate). The centromeres start to divide so
that each chromatid has its own centromere.

Anaphase
This is the shortest phase of mitosis. In this phase centromeres division continues. The chromatids
of each chromosome separate at the centromere. Daughter chromosomes move towards opposite
poles, either by repelling or due shortening or elongation of the spindle fibres. Gradually the
chromatids approach the opposite poles.
Telophase
The chromatids reach the poles and Spindle disappears. Chromosomes de-condense and return to
chromatin. The nuclear membrane and the nucleolus are re-formed. The cell progresses to
interphase

4
Cytokinesis
This is the division of the cytoplasm (cytoplasmic cleavage). It occurs in two different ways in
plants and animals:
1. In plant cells golgi apparatus produces vesicles that fuse, forming a cell plate. This usually
begins in teleophase when new cellulose particles are gradually deposited in the equatorial
plane. The cellulose late fuses to form the cell plate- diving the cell into two
2. In animals a cleavage furrow indents the plasma membrane between the two daughter
nuclei at a midpoint; then constriction separates the cytoplasm

5
Importance of mitosis
1. Growth
2. Repair
3. Nuclear material was duplicated prior to division. Therefore two new genetically identical
cells are formed.
Duration of different phases of mitotic division - varies with the tissues and organism involved.
It is also affected by temperature. The average time for events in plant root tip:
Interphase: 12 - 30 hrs. (Prophase: 1 - 2 hrs, Metaphase: 5 - 15 min, Anaphase: 2 - 10 min and
Telophase: 10 - 30 min).

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