ACTIVITY 4
(Cell Division)
- Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Somatic cells can be found everywhere in the body whereas reproductive cells are limited to reproductive organs. The key dissimilarity between somatic cells and reproductive cells is that somatic cells consist of a diploid genome whereas gametes consist of a haploid genome.
With regards to cell division, somatic cell division (mitosis) is comprised of 4 stages in total (plus interphase), its purpose is cellular proliferation, produces 2 diploid daughter cells, chromosome number remains the same, and genetic variation doesn’t change. Meanwhile, reproductive cell division (meiosis) is comprised of 8 stages in total (plus interphase), its purpose is sexual reproduction, produces 4 haploid daughter cells, chromosome number is halved in each daughter cell, and genetic variation is increased.
Mitosis and meiosis both foster the creation of new cells through cell division. As a result, both of these processes are essential for the continued existence of sexually reproducing organisms. Mitosis reproduces the non-sex cells required for growth and development, while meiosis creates the cells required for sexual reproduction to take place.
- What is the significance of interphase?
The interphase is crucial because it takes up ninety percent of the cell cycle. Moreover, it is also during this stage that the cell obtains nutrients, produces and utilizes proteins and other molecules, and starts the process of cell division by replicating the DNA. Ultimately, it largely serves to get the cells ready for mitosis, which can prevent bad or harmful cells from proliferating.