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Cell Division

Cell division is the process where a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells, essential for growth and repair. It involves the duplication and distribution of chromosomes, which carry genes and ensure accurate DNA replication. There are two main types of cell division: mitosis, for producing identical cells, and meiosis, for producing gametes with half the chromosome number.

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3 views

Cell Division

Cell division is the process where a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells, essential for growth and repair. It involves the duplication and distribution of chromosomes, which carry genes and ensure accurate DNA replication. There are two main types of cell division: mitosis, for producing identical cells, and meiosis, for producing gametes with half the chromosome number.

Uploaded by

praveenakarthik2016
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Cell Division

What is cell division?


 Cell division is the process by which a single cell divides into two
or more daughter cells. This is an essential part of growth and
repair in the body, allowing cells to multiply and replace old or
damaged cells.
Process of Cell Division

 Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two
daughter cells, and the chromosomes in the parent cell are divided in
a way that ensures each daughter cell receives a copy of every
chromosome.
 What is Chromosome?
 Chromosomes are long, thread-like structures found in the nucleus of
a cell, made up of DNA and Proteins.
 A chromosome is made up of two arms, a shorter one known as
‘p arm’ and a longer one called the ‘ q arm’. The point where these
two arms meet is called the centromere.
 Each chromosomes carries a large number of genes, the units of heredity. These
genes are responsible for all the genetic traits a cell may have.
 In almost all human cells, two of each type of chromosome are present, making a
total of 46 chromosomes, or 23 pairs. This is referred to as the diploid number.
Chromosome functions
 Chromosomes perform many important functions, including:
 Carrying genes: Chromosomes carry genes, which are segments of DNA that contain
instructions for making proteins. These proteins determines our characteristics,
such as eye colour and blood type.
 Keeping DNA safe: Chromosomes protect DNA from damage and tangling.
 Ensuring DNA is copied accurately: Chromosomes ensure that DNA is copied
accurately during cell division.
 Transmitting genetic information: Chromosomes pass genetic information from one
generation to the next.
 Helping organisms function: Chromosomes allow organisms to function properly by
ensuring DNA is intact and evenly distributed among cells.
 Hence chromosomes play a vital role in cell division.
Chromosomes Movement during Cell
Division
 Prior to cell division, Chromosomes duplicate themselves, creating
two sister chromatids which are identical copies of the original
chromosome.
 What is a chromatid made out of?
 Chromatids are formed when a chromosome replicates to form two
identical chromatids, or sister chromatids. Therefore, chromatids
are made of all the genetic material contained in a chromosome.
 A pair of sister chromatids is called a dyad.
Types of Cell Division

 There are two distinct types of cell division out of which the first one is vegetative
division, wherein each daughter cell duplicates the parent cell called mitosis. The
second one is meiosis, which divides into four haploid daughter cells.
 Mitosis: The process cells use to make exact replicas of themselves. Mitosis is observed
in almost all the body’s cells, including eyes, skin, hair, and muscle cells.
 Meiosis: In this type of cell division, gametes (sperm or egg cells) are produced instead
of identical daughter cells as in mitosis. The chromosomes further divide in a way that
results with half the number of chromosomes ( Haploid Cells)
 Binary Fission: Single-celled organisms like bacteria replicate themselves for
reproduction.
Mitosis and Meiosis
Chromosomes Abnormalities

 Chromosomes are threadlike structures made of DNA and protein that are
found in the nucleus of cells. Humans have 46 chromosomes, which are made
up of 22 pairs of autosomes and one pair of sex chromosomes. Each pair of
chromosomes contains one chromosome from each parent.
 Changes in the structure or number of chromosomes can cause serious
problems. For example, Down syndrome is caused by having three copies of
chromosome 21 instead of two. Defective chromosomes can also cause some
cancers, such as one type of leukemia.
 Mutations may also occurs, this is a change in the genetic material, leading
to changes in traits or genetic disorders.
 Mutation play a key role in evolution.
 These mutations or changes in chromosome number can occur due to
errors in cell division, environmental factors or due to ageing.

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