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Plant Biology - Cell Division

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    Study Guide Plant Biology – Cell Division 1. Eukaryote Cell Division : The Cell Cycle 1.1 Why Cell Division Is More Complex in Eukaryotes Cell division in eukaryotic cells is much more complex than in prokaryotes. This is because eukaryotic cells have: • Linear chromosomes enclosed inside a membrane - bound nucleus • Many organelles (like mitochondria and ER) • A large amount of cytoplasm that must be shared equally If chromosomes are not divided properly, the daughter cells may not receive the correct genetic instructions. As a result, these cells may stop functioning or die. Because so much must be carefully organized and shared, eukaryotic cell division is highly controlled and takes more time . 1.2 Main Steps of Cell Division in Body (Somatic) Cells Cell division in somatic (body) cells happens in three major steps : 1. Interphase – the preparation stage before and after division 2. Mitosis – the division of the nucleus 3. Cytokinesis – the division of the cytoplasm, forming two separate cells The division that produces sex cells (gametes) is called meiosis , which is more complex and occurs in two stages. 1.3 The Cell Cycle: A Repeating Process The cell cycle is the complete sequence of events from one cell division to the next. It has two main phases :

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    Study Guide 1.3. 1 Interphase Interphase is the longest phase and is divided into three parts: • G ₁ (Gap 1): • The cell grows and produces proteins and organelles. • S (Synthesis): • DNA is replicated so each chromosome is copied. • G ₂ (Gap 2): • The cell prepares for mitosis by making more proteins and structures. 1.3. 2 M Phase The M phase includes: • Mitosis (nuclear division) • Cytokinesis (cytoplasmic division)

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    Study Guide 1.4 Mitosis: Division of the Nucleus Mitosis is divided into four main stages , followed by cytokinesis. 1.4. 1 Prophase • Chromosomes condense and become visible • Nuclear envelope begins to break down • Spindle fibers start forming • This is the longest stage of mitosis 1.4. 2. Metaphase • Chromosomes line up at the center (equator) of the cell • Spindle fibers attach to centromeres 1.4. 3. Anaphase • Sister chromatids separate • They move to opposite poles of the cell • This is the shortest stage 1.4. 4. Telophase • Chromosomes uncoil • New nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes 1.5 Cytokinesis • Cytoplasm divides • Two identical daughter cells are formed

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    Study Guide 1. 6 Meiosis: Cell Division for Sexual Reproduction Meiosis occurs in two rounds of division — Meiosis I and Meiosis II — and results in four daughter cells , each with half the chromosome number of the parent cell. Key points: • Homologous chromosomes pair up in Prophase I • Chromosome number is reduced by half • Important for genetic variation

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