1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
It is important to know the end products or daughter cells of these two processes: somatic cell division only creates somatic cells that can be found all throughout the body, while reproductive cell division produce cells only limited to reproductive organs.
These two processes can also be distinguished through mitosis and meiosis, respectively. Mitosis results in two nuclei that are identical to the original nucleus, while meiosis results in four nuclei or sex cells only having half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
On one hand, mitosis provides for new cells to grow and also replaces those that are worn-out. On the other hand, meiosis allows humans to reproduce, provides for genetic diversity, and helps in repairing genetic errors or defects.
2. What is the significance of interphase?
Interphase is the most important phase, as it is the longest, mainly because it is where the cell replicates its DNA, specifically in the S phase. Here, it undergoes its final preparations for cell division. It is also the initial phase where the cell starts to grow in size and carries out important biochemical functions, such as protein synthesis.