Notes…Asexual Reproduction:
Mitosis:
 method of cell division in non-sex cells (somatic cells)
 involves one replication and one division of chromosome material so the chromosome
number in the two cell produced is the same as in the parent
Most scientists do not classify interphase as technically being part of mitosis,
but it is a vital step in the cell division process.
"Typical" Animal Cell
Cell Cycle:
1. Interphase:
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apparent "resting phase"cell carries on all normal metabolism
chromosomes are replicated (exact copies are made)
the chromosomes exist as chromatin
chromatin: chromosomes are NOT distinguishable under the light microscope

often not classified as a mitotic stage
3 parts of Interphase (takes up about 90% of cell cycle)
G1 : growth one phase (organelles grow) 4 hours
S : synthesis phase (replication of chromosome material) 10 Hours
G2 : growth phase two (more organelle and cell growth) 4 Hours
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2. Mitosis: 2nd part of Cell Cycle…AKA: Cell Division 2 hours
A. Prophase:
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centrioles begin to separate
are connected by spindle fibers made of protein
chromosomes can now be distinguished (appear as short rods)
nucleus breaks apart with nucleolus and nuclear membrane disappearing
chromosomes appear coiled and doubled in appearance
chromatid: each chromosome strand
centromere: (kinetochore): holds the chromatids together
B. Metaphase:
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centrioles move to opposite poles of the cell connected by the spindle
each doubled chromosome moves to the center of a cell along a spindle fiber
C. Anaphase:
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centromeres replicate and each doubled chromosome separates to form two chromosomes
in late Anaphase cytoplasmic division begins and the cell membrane begins to pinch in
D. Telophase:
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spindle apparatus disappears
nuclear membrane reforms around 2 new nuclei containing 1/2 the metaphase cell's
chromosomes
centrioles replicate in late telophase -- cell division occurs in late telophase
Graphic of Cell Cycle:
How does mitosis differ in plants?
1. No centriole in plants.
2. Plant cells do not pinch in half. Cytoplasmic division is accomplished by a cell plate forming
between 2 daughter cells.
Results of Mitosis
1. The same chromosome number is retained from generation to generation.
2. Each daughter cell receives an exact copy of the chromosomes of the parent cell.
3. The ratio of cellular surface area to cytoplasmic volume is much improved.
Diffusion and osmosis can occur much more easily.
Cancer: uncontrolled cellular mitotic divisions
Methods of Asexual Reproduction:
3 Types in Animals:
1. Binary fission: equal division of the cytoplasm and nucleus of an organism resulting in two
mew organisms..examples. amoeba, paramecium, euglena
2. Budding: nucleus of an organism's cell divides equally but the cytoplasm divides unequally
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the new cells formed may live as individuals or as colonies
example… yeast, hydra
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3. Regeneration: the development of an entire new organism from part of an original organism
example… starfish :one ray and part of central body
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may also involve the restoration of lost body parts
invertebrates have greater powers of regeneration than do vertebrates
Asexual Reproduction in Plants:
1. Sporulation: the production of spores example..molds
spores: single, specialized cells which are released from the parent
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they are enclosed in a protective case and develop when
environmental
conditions are favorable
2. Runners: parts of plant that is growing falls into the soil and begin to
germinate and grow. Offspring are identical to the neighboring parent plant.
Example..straw
berries and
grasses
3. Vegetative Propagation: regeneration in plants
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Complete new plants develop from part of the original plant.
Example…Cuttings… Philodendron plants
** Individuals produced during asexual reproduction are genetically identical to their parent.
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