TANILON, Pauline Joy B.
Activity 4: Cell Division
1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Cell division involves two nuclear division processes: meiosis, or the reproductive cell division, and mitosis, or the somatic cell division. In contrast to meiosis, which involves the division of sex cells, mitosis involves the division of body cells. In meiosis, a cell divides twice as opposed to once in mitosis. After mitosis and cytoplasmic division, two genetically identical daughter cells (diploid) are created, whereas meiosis results in the creation of four genetically distinct (haploid) daughter cells. Finally, tetrad production happens during meiosis but not during mitosis.
Cells divide to create new cells during both meiosis and mitosis. As a result, both of these processes are essential for the continued existence of sexually reproducing organisms. Meiosis creates the cells required for sexual reproduction, while mitosis reproduces the non-sex cells required for growth and development. Collectively, they offer the cellular foundation for sexual reproduction and normal growth.
2. What is the significance of interphase?
Interphase is crucial for cell division because it enables the cell to develop, replicate its DNA, and finalize preparations for cell division, or mitosis. It is an extensive process in the cell cycle, with 3 phases (G1, S, G2) that prepare the cell for division. Additionally, there are checkpoints in each stage of interphase that stop cells from dividing if they are deemed unfit for division. Ultimately, interphase is crucial since it ensures that the cell can divide and is viable for cell division. Ultimately, interphase is important because it ensures that the cell can divide and is ready for cell division. Cell division would not be feasible in the absence of interphase.
References:
Bailey, R. (2019 19). 7 Key Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/differences-between-mitosis-and-meiosis-373390#:~:text=Mitosis%20involves%20the%20division%20of,cells%20are%20produced%20after%20meiosis.
Meister, D. (2014). Biological Significance of Mitosis & Meiosis in Sexual Reproduction. Education - Seattle PI. https://education.seattlepi.com/biological-significance-mitosis-meiosis-sexual-reproduction-5259.html
Study. (2022). Explain why interphase is important for cell division. | Homework.Study.com. Homework.study.com. https://homework.study.com/explanation/explain-why-interphase-is-important-for-cell-division.html
Velociraptor, V. (2015). What is the importance of interphase in the cell cycle? Quora. https://qr.ae/pvUniH