1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Somatic cell division involves the reproduction of somatic/body cells. It involves the process of mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis is divided into 5 phases, namely interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. After telophase, the process of cytokinesis is done. After the process, it results in two (2) identical diploid cells. This process is important because it provides new cells for growth and for the replacement of dead cells.
On the other hand, sex cells undergo reproductive cell division. Meiosis is divided into two parts: meiosis I and meiosis II. Meiosis I involves interphase, prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase, and cytokinesis. After meiosis I, there are two (2) haploid cells produced. While meiosis II, it involves prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, telophase II, and cytokinesis. After this cell division, there will be a total of four (4) haploid cells. Meiosis is important because it contributes to the genetic variation of the offspring, as well as ensures that all organisms have the correct number of chromosomes.
2. What is the significance of interphase?
The interphase is considered the non-dividing phase of the cell and the longest phase of a cell. This is because around 90% of the cell cycle is just this phase. It includes most of a cell's growth and metabolic activities. Intense biochemical activities are also done during this phase which allows the cell to grow and make copies of its chromosomes in preparation for cell division.
References:
Crispino, M.Y. (2022) General Biology 2 Module
Replication and Distribution of DNA during Meiosis | Learn Science at Scitable. (n.d.). Retrieved September 14, 2022, from https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/replication-and-distribution-of-dna-during-meiosis-6524853/?error=cookies_not_supported&code=39236109-49a8-4b8b-9043-fd41e2990ae9#:%7E:text=Meiosis%20is%20important%20because%20it,of%20the%20process%20of%20recombination.