Study GuidePlant Biology–Cell Division1. Eukaryote CellDivision: The Cell Cycle1.1Why Cell Division Is More Complex in EukaryotesCell division ineukaryotic cellsis much more complex than in prokaryotes.This is because eukaryotic cells have:•Linear chromosomesenclosed inside amembrane-bound nucleus•Manyorganelles(like mitochondria and ER)•A large amount ofcytoplasmthat must be shared equallyIf chromosomes are not divided properly, the daughter cells may not receive the correct geneticinstructions. As a result, these cells may stop functioning or die. Because so much must be carefullyorganized and shared, eukaryotic cell division ishighly controlledandtakes more time.1.2Main Steps of Cell Division in Body (Somatic) CellsCell division in somatic (body) cells happens inthree major steps:1.Interphase–the preparation stage before and after division2.Mitosis–the division of the nucleus3.Cytokinesis–the division of the cytoplasm, forming two separate cellsThe division that producessex cells (gametes)is calledmeiosis, which is more complex and occursin two stages.1.3The Cell Cycle: A Repeating ProcessThecell cycleis the complete sequence of events from one cell division to the next. It hastwo mainphases:Preview Mode
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