What is Cell Division and why is It Important

In ancient times, people thought that cells arouse randomly. However, with the passage of time, people came to know that only cells can make other cells. Cell division which is also known as mitosis occurs in all living things from microscopic organisms to huge creatures. Due to all living things growing characteristics, few cells die or damages. As a result, these cells need to be replaced. Few of the single cells organisms apply mitosis in order to reproduce. In multi-cellular organisms, cell division causes them to grow.

Instructions

  • 1

    Process of cell division

    Cell division involves five phases. In interphase, cell only replicates its generic material such as DNA. Next step is prophase. In this step, chromosomes thicken and move to the other end of the cell.

    Next come the metaphase in which chromosomes makes a line down the middle. The fourth phase is the Anaphase in which chromosomes separates while the cell sticks in the middle.

    The last phase is the telophase or the end of the mitosis. In this phase, nuclear envelops is formed again on the outside of thinning chromosomes. Thus the two daughter cells split apart.

  • 2

    Reproduction

    Cell division is a means of reproduction and this process is known as binary fission. This process occurs in organisms which have no use for sex or do not evolve sexual reproduction. Bacteria are one such organism which evolves with binary fission. It is one of the earlier life form on earth. These organisms cannot form extra energy in order to mate or look after offspring. They form colonies by multiplying with each other.

  • 3

    Growth

    Living organisms grow by increasing of cell size or its number. Cells divide in increasing rate in order to grow for multi cellular organisms. It increases an organism’s size by constantly dividing. However, it does this until the organism reaches adulthood.

  • 4

    Repair

    Whenever a tissue is injured, several activities are performed on that area. Extracellular matrix allows those tissues to regenerate with the help of mitosis.

  • 5

    Control of cell division

    Most cells in your body are at the Go stage of interphase which is the state of non-dividing cells. Cells usually limit themselves at few points in the cycle. Whenever you are injured, platelets or the clotting factors cause cells to divide. This eventually heals the wound. Remember that cells usually stop dividing whenever they come into contact with other cells or when joined with ECM.

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