Cell Division in Eukaryotes

Cell Division in Eukaryotes

• Eukaryotic cell division comprises mitosis (nucleus division) and cytokinesis (cytoplasm division).
• Mitosis produces two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell.

Chromosomes

• Each chromosome is composed of two identical sister chromatids.
• Chromatids are attached at the centromere.
• Chromosomes carry genetic information passed between generations.
• Before cell division, chromosomes duplicate.
• Chromatin are long thin strands of DNA and protein, holding DNA together during chromosome formation.

The Cell Cycle

• The cell cycle describes the series of events cells undergo to grow and divide, forming daughter cells.
• Stages include growth, preparation for division, and division into two daughter cells, restarting the cycle.
• Interphase is the growth period between cell divisions. Cells spend most of their lifetime in interphase.

Interphase subphases

• G1 (First Gap Phase): Cell growth, protein and organelle synthesis.
• S (DNA Replication Phase): Chromosome replication; DNA synthesis occurs.
• G2 (Second Gap Phase): Production of organelles and molecules required for cell division; prepares cell for mitosis (M phase).

Mitosis

• Mitosis occurs in somatic (body) cells.
• It produces two identical daughter cells.
• The process is organized into four phases: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase (PMAT).

Mitosis Phases

• Prophase: The first phase of mitosis.
• Metaphase: The second phase of mitosis.
• Anaphase: The third phase of mitosis.
• Telophase: The final phase of mitosis.