Distinguish between somatic and reproductive cell division and explain the importance of each.
Through mitosis, somatic cells divide and replicate. The majority of the human body, including the tissues and organs within it, is composed of these cells. The production of somatic cells is important for growth, maintenance, and repair of damages.
On the other hand, reproductive cells are made through the process of meiosis. For the females, their reproductive cells are called egg cells, while the males have sperm cells. These gametes are essential in fertilization and reproduction of a new individual.
Only two identical daughter cells are produced in the process of mitosis as it only involves one cell division, whereas meiosis results in four sex cells. During mitosis, the cells duplicate all their chromosomes and separate the copies into different sides. While in meiosis, two cell divisions occur, wherein the four cells contain half the original amount of genetic information.
What is the significance of interphase?
It makes sense why interphase is the longest stage during the cell cycle because, in this period, the cell takes its time to grow by acquiring the nutrients it needs and by ensuring that it is prepared to undergo cell division. It is also when the cell makes a copy of its DNA to ensure that the new cells contain the same genetic information after it divides. If the interphase is skipped in the cycle, the cell wouldn't maximize its growth and it wouldn’t be able to replicate its DNA.