1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Somatic cell division has resulted from an increase in body cells. It consists of interphase and mitosis. In the interphase, the cell carries on every life process and this is also the time when the chromosomes are replicated in preparation for the mitotic phase. In this part, it is divided into more distinct subphases– G1, S, and G2. After the interphase is ready, it will undergo to mitotic phase. In this phase, it starts with two sets of chromosomes that are distributed with one set each into two diploid daughter cells. These include substages such as prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase, and cytokinesis. This process is important for the growth and repair of our body.
On the other hand, reproductive cell division is a cell division that results in the production of sperm and eggs. In comparison to what was mentioned above, this cell division consists of subphases including meiosis I (prophase I, metaphase I, anaphase I, telophase I, and cytokinesis I) and meiosis II (prophase II, metaphase II, anaphase II, telophase II, and cytokinesis II). It starts with a diploid cell undergoing two divisions which result in four unique daughter cells.
Meiosis II, in contrast to meiosis I, resembles typical mitosis. The two cells that are generated during meiosis I go through meiosis II together. Then, four haploid gametes were formed as the sister chromatids in meiosis II splits. Meiosis II follows the same mechanics as mitosis, with the exception that each dividing cell contains only one set of homologous chromosomes. Moreover, if there are an irregular number of chromosomes. It may result in a certain disorder like body chromosome disorder or sex chromosome disorder.
2. What is the significance of interphase?
Interphase is significant because this is the stage where the cells make final preparations for successful cell division. This involves the G1, S, and G2 phases. Wherein, the G1 phase involves cell growth where it produces organelles and undergoes protein synthesis to prepare for the next stages. It is then followed by the S phase, involving DNA replication and the replication of the centrosome. Then the cell will undergo G2, involving further growth and protein synthesis. So, as we can see, the health of an individual depends on the cells' ability to develop properly and successfully replicate DNA, which is evident at this stage.