1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Somatic cell division is often referred to as mitosis. It is responsible for growth, repair, and regeneration; and makes up the entire organism. Multicellular organisms need mitosis because it produces new cells for growth and the replacement of aging cells like skin cells.
Reproductive cell division, on the other hand, is referred to as meiosis, which produces egg and sperm cells for sexual reproduction. Meiosis plays a crucial role in ensuring that all creatures created through sexual reproduction have the appropriate amount of chromosomes.
2. What is the significance of interphase?
The cell develops and engages in a variety of metabolic activities during the interphase, the time between cell division. Since it enables the cell to develop, replicate its DNA, and finalize preparations for cell division, or mitosis, interphase is crucial for cell division.