Cell Division and Mitosis

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary function of mitosis in cell division?

Allocating cytoplasm to daughter cells

Dividing genetic material into daughter cell nuclei (correct)

Facilitating programmed cell death

Increasing the cell's overall size

Which phase of the cell cycle is characterized by DNA replication?

G1 phase

G2 phase

S phase (correct)

M phase

What happens to new cells after cytokinesis?

They replicate their DNA immediately

They inherit a full set of chromosomes and half of the cytoplasm (correct)

They contain half the genetic material of the parent cell

They become differentiated cells

What is the G0 phase in the cell cycle?

The resting state where cells may pause their cycle Signup and view all the answers

What process allows for multiple rounds of DNA synthesis without cell division?

Endoreduplication Signup and view all the answers

How many chromosomes may common bean embryos have after several endoreduplication cycles?

8192 copies of each gene Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following cell types is known to undergo successive cell cycles?

Certain plant and animal cell types Signup and view all the answers

What special state can initials of plant cells enter due to environmental factors?

G0 phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the main function of the G1 checkpoint in the cell cycle?

To determine if the cell should proceed to the S phase Signup and view all the answers

Which phase of the cell cycle is characterized by DNA replication and synthesis of DNA-associated proteins?

S phase Signup and view all the answers

What role does the spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) play during cell division?

It prevents premature anaphase if chromosomes are misaligned Signup and view all the answers

What process occurs during the G2 phase of the cell cycle?

Completion of centriole duplication Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following occurs during the G1 phase?

Intense biochemical activity and organelle synthesis Signup and view all the answers

What is formed by the merging of cytoplasmic strands during the cell cycle?

Transverse cytoplasm sheet Signup and view all the answers

Which cell cycle phase involves the checks for DNA damage before the cell enters mitosis?

G2 phase Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the centrosome during the cell cycle?

It is responsible for centriole duplication Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cell Division Overview

Cell division allows the distribution of cell contents into two daughter cells.
In unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and protists, it leads to population growth.
In multicellular organisms, it facilitates growth and repair of tissues.
New cells receive an exact copy of the parent cell's genetic information.

Stages of Cell Division

Cell division comprises two main stages: mitosis and cytokinesis.
Mitosis distributes duplicated chromosomes to the nuclei of daughter cells.
Cytokinesis completes the division by splitting the original cell into two new cells.
Each daughter cell contains a full set of chromosomes and half of the parent cell's cytoplasm.

The Cell Cycle

The cell cycle includes interphase and the mitotic phase (M phase).
Interphase is an active stage of the cell cycle, preparing cells for division.
Interphase is subdivided into three phases: G1, S, and G2.
Mitosis and cytokinesis occur during the M phase.

Specialized Cell Types in Plants

Certain one-celled organisms and specific plant/animal cell types can undergo successive cell cycles.
Plant cells known as initials contribute to apical meristems found at root and shoot tips.
Cells may pause their progress due to conditions like winter dormancy, entering a resting state called G0 phase.
Differentiation and programmed cell death are alternative fates for cells.

DNA Replication and Endoreduplication

Plant cells replicate DNA before differentiating, a process termed endoreduplication.
Multiple rounds of endoreduplication can lead to an increased number of gene copies, enhancing gene expression.
For instance, Arabidopsis thaliana trichomes experience four cycles, raising DNA content significantly.

Cell Cycle Checkpoints

Two critical checkpoints manage the cell cycle, located at the end of G1 and G2 phases.
The G1 checkpoint determines whether the cycle continues into the S phase or halts.
The G2 checkpoint assesses DNA replication completeness and arrests progression if needed.
The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) prevents anaphase from starting if chromosomes are not attached to the spindle.

Regulatory Mechanisms

Passage through checkpoints relies on the activity of cyclin-dependent kinases.
The cell replicates DNA, synthesizes associated proteins, and produces organelles for daughter cells.

G1, S, and G2 Phases

G1 Phase: Intense biosynthetic activity; cells grow and prepare for division. Centrioles duplicate in cells that contain them.
S Phase: DNA replication occurs along with synthesis of histones and other proteins.
G2 Phase: Ensures complete chromosome replication, repairs DNA damage, and duplicates centrioles.

Nucleus and Cytoplasm Organization

Nucleus migration begins in G1 phase, anchoring to the cell center using cytoplasmic strands from vacuoles.
The transverse cytoplasm sheet (phragmosome), made of microtubules and actin filaments, becomes visible during cell division in large vacuoles.

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Description

Explore the fascinating process of cell division, which is crucial for growth and repair in multicellular organisms and population increase in unicellular ones. This quiz covers the two main stages of cell division: mitosis and cytokinesis, detailing how genetic information is replicated and allocated to daughter cells. Test your knowledge about the mechanisms that drive cellular reproduction!