1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
SOMATIC CELL DIVISION or mitosis: somatic cells, one cell division, produces two diploid daughter cells (2n) with 46 chromosomes each; daughter cells are genetically identical (no crossing over)
- Importance: makes new cells that are essential for growth, repair and many more; if mitosis is to stop, the cells in the body will wear out rapidly and die = the organism dies too
REPRODUCTIVE CELL DIVISION or meiosis: germ/ sex cells (sperm and egg), two successive cell divisions, produces four haploid daughter cells (n) with 23 chromosomes each; daughter cells are genetically different because of crossing over
- Importance: sexually reproduction of diploid organisms, ensures that the number of chromosomes is correct, genetic diversity/ variation
2. What is the significance of interphase?
There are three stages of interphase. First, G1 wherein growth happens (size increases). Second, S phase or synthesis phase wherein the DNA is replicated. Lastly, G2 wherein growth, and final preparations to ensure that cell division is ready happens. Hence, interphase is significant for the growth of the cell, replication of its DNA, and for final preparations.