MITOSIS
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Cells duplicate for growth, and to replace old or damaged cells.
Why divide and not get larger? Cells cannot function effectively if too big.
Cells reproduce by making copies of themselves.
Prokaryotic cells divide simply: duplicate genetic material and split.
Eukaryotic cells are more complex; they use a process called the cell cycle.
The time it takes for an organism to go through the cell cycle varies (example 2-24 hours).
The cycle starts when a new cell is formed.
Animals and plant cells differ in the process; animal cells have centrioles, plants have cell
plates which become a cell wall.
Differentiation is the process by which new cells specialize and become different in
appearance and function than parent cells.
Uncontrolled cell division results in cancer (tumors).
Generalized Cell Cycle Basics: IPMAT
We start with one….
Interphase: Most of the cell’s “life” is spent in this stage. The cell grows and functions as intended. A
cell’s DNA is organized into structures called chromosomes. DNA duplicate inside the nucleus in a
process called DNA synthesis. (Chromosomes can be referred to as chromatin/chromatids after
duplication) DNA REPLICATION in S (Synthesis) of cell cycle.
Prophase: Chromosomes condense or thicken and organize. Eventually the nuclear membrane
disappears. CHROMO-CONDENSE and NUCLEUS DISENTIGRATES
Metaphase: Duplicated chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell. CHROMO-LINE UP
Anaphase: Centromere of each duplicated chromosome is separated and the paired chromatids are
pulled apart. CHROMO-PULL APART
Telophase: Chromosomes uncoil, cytokinesis occurs and two identical daughter cells are produced.
CHROMO-POLES and NUCLEUS FORMS. Cells constrict in animal cells and the cell plate forms in plant
cells. 2 Daughter cells are formed.
And we end with two!