1. Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Somatic cell division is a cell division that results in an increase in body cells. This involves a nuclear division called mitosis plus cytokinesis. Meanwhile, reproductive cell division is a cell division that results in the production of sperm and eggs. This consists of a nuclear division called meiosis plus cytokinesis. Somatic cell division produces two identical cells, whereas reproductive cell division results in four haploid daughter cells. Somatic cell division is important to multicellular organisms because it provides new cells for growth and for replacement of worn-out cells. On the other hand, reproductive cell division ensures that all organisms produced via sexual reproduction contain the correct number of chromosomes.
2. What is the significance of interphase?
Interphase is important in cell division because during this time, the cell grows, replicates its chromosomes, and prepares for cell division. Moreover, it helps keep bad cells from going through cell reproduction.