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# Cell Division The document describes cell division, focusing on the differences between mitosis and meiosis, and the states of DNA during these processes. **I. Introduction** * **Functions of cell division:** 1. Growth 2. Replace aging cells 3. Reproduction **II. Mitosis vs. Meiosis...

# Cell Division The document describes cell division, focusing on the differences between mitosis and meiosis, and the states of DNA during these processes. **I. Introduction** * **Functions of cell division:** 1. Growth 2. Replace aging cells 3. Reproduction **II. Mitosis vs. Meiosis** * **Mitosis:** Involves somatic (body) cells, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. * **Meiosis:** Involves germ cells and produces unique cells such as eggs or sperm (four unique cells from one cell). Only occurs in germ cells. **III. States of DNA** * **Chromatin:** DNA is loosely coiled and not easily visible under a light microscope. * **Chromosomes:** DNA is tightly coiled, making them visible. This state only occurs during cell division, otherwise it is technically in chromatin form. *A key point regarding DNA is that it must replicate before cell division so each daughter cell receives a full copy of genetic information.*