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Questions and Answers
In multicellular organisms, cell division is LEAST likely to be used for which of the following processes?
In multicellular organisms, cell division is LEAST likely to be used for which of the following processes?
Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily characterized by DNA replication?
Which phase of the cell cycle is primarily characterized by DNA replication?
A cell is observed to be growing in size, transcribing RNA, and producing proteins. Based on this, what phase of the cell cycle is the cell likely in?
A cell is observed to be growing in size, transcribing RNA, and producing proteins. Based on this, what phase of the cell cycle is the cell likely in?
Which of the following best describes the outcome of mitosis?
Which of the following best describes the outcome of mitosis?
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If a diploid cell undergoes meiosis, how many daughter cells are produced, and how does the chromosome number of the daughter cells relate to that of the parent cell?
If a diploid cell undergoes meiosis, how many daughter cells are produced, and how does the chromosome number of the daughter cells relate to that of the parent cell?
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Which of the following cell types in humans is the LEAST likely to undergo cell division?
Which of the following cell types in humans is the LEAST likely to undergo cell division?
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Which statement describes the role of interphase in the cell cycle?
Which statement describes the role of interphase in the cell cycle?
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Which of the following processes is NOT a recognized function of mitosis?
Which of the following processes is NOT a recognized function of mitosis?
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Study Notes
Cell Division
- Cell division is the process by which a parent cell produces daughter cells.
- Unicellular organisms reproduce through cell division.
- Multicellular organisms use cell division to increase their number of cells or to generate sex cells (gametes).
- The frequency of cell division varies depending on the type and physiological state of each cell.
- In the human body, some cells, such as those in the epidermis and bone marrow, are constantly multiplying to replace those that die.
- More specialized cells, such as neurons, red blood cells, and muscle cells, rarely or never divide.
- The set of stages a cell goes through to divide into daughter cells is called the cell cycle.
The Cell Cycle
- The cell cycle begins with the origin of a cell from a previous cell division and ends when the cell divides into daughter cells.
- The cell cycle is divided into two phases: interphase and cell division.
Interphase
- Interphase is the phase in which the cell is not dividing, representing the longest period of the cell cycle.
- During interphase, events occur that allow for cell division, such as DNA replication, centriole division, and protein production.
- Interphase is subdivided into three phases: G1, S, and G2.
- During the G1 phase, cells grow in size, produce RNA, and produce proteins.
- During the S phase, DNA synthesis occurs and the amount of DNA in the cell nucleus is replicated.
- Before any cell division, DNA duplication takes place during interphase.
- The G2 phase is the interval between DNA synthesis and mitosis. During this phase, the cell continues to grow and produce proteins.
Types of Cell Division
- In eukaryotes, there are two types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.
Mitosis
- Mitosis is the type of cell division in which a parent cell, haploid or diploid, gives rise to two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
- Mitosis is a type of cell division that occurs during asexual reproduction.
- Mitosis has the following functions:
- Growth and regeneration of tissues.
- Healing.
- Gamete formation in plants.
- Divisions of the zygote during embryonic development.
Meiosis
- Meiosis is the type of cell division where a parent cell, always diploid, with doubled chromosomes, produces four daughter cells with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell through two successive divisions.
- Meiosis is called reductional division.
- Meiosis has the following functions:
- Gamete formation in animals.
- Spore formation in plants and some fungi.
Summary
- Mitosis is the cell division process that gives rise to two cells identical to the original, with the same number of chromosomes.
- Meiosis involves two cell divisions resulting in four cells with half the genetic material of the parent cell.
- The word "MEIO" (half) in "MEIOsis" reminds us that it involves half the genetic material.
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Description
Explore the fascinating processes of cell division and the cell cycle through this quiz. Understand the differences between unicellular and multicellular organisms, and learn about the phases and importance of interphase and cell division. Test your knowledge on how cells reproduce and maintain homeostasis in the human body.
