The Cell Cycle (Cell Division)

A clearer understanding!

Cell Division Introduction

New cells are needed for GROWTH and REPAIR 2 types of cell division. - Non reproductive cells (produce daughter cells) go through MITOSIS (Somatic cells) - Reproductive cells (can produce sperm & egg) go through MEIOSIS (Gametes) NOT DOING THIS

Non Reproductive Cells (Most Cells)

2 sets of chromosomes Cells DNA = GENOME (Genetic make-up) EUKARYOTIC CELLS (Numerous molecules) and PROKARYOTIC CELLS (Single DNA molecule)
NOT DOING THIS

EUKARYOTIC CELLS consist of CHROMATIN (Condenses chromosomes so ready for cell division) CHROMOSOMES = Organised structures of DNA

Interphase
INTERPHASE- Process cell undertakes in preparation for division. Made up of 3 phases. G1 Phase (First gap) S Phase (Synthesis) Where duplication happens (ONLY HERE) G2 Phase (Second gap) CELL GROWTH takes place throughout all phases. Longest part of cell division

Interphase cont.

Interphase processes
G1 = first growth stage. Grows to nearly full size. Produces RNA and synthesize protein. S = DNA in the nucleus is replicated (each chromosome now has a sister). G2 = Cell finishes growing. Two centrosomes appear in the cytoplasm.

Mitosis (M)
There are 5 phases of MITOSIS PROPHASE- Chromosomes CONDENSE by CHROMATIN to form SISTER CHROMATIDS, mitotic spindle starts to form from centrosomes. PROMETAPHASE- Nucleus disappears after envelope fragments. MICROTUBULE strands are growing from the centrosomes. Attach to KINETOCHORES which are on either side of the sister chromatids CENTROMERE. These are KINETOCHORE MICROTUBULES.

Mitosis (M) cont.

METAPHASE- CHROMATIDS line up in the centre of the cell (the SPINDLE). Both CENTROSOMES are now on either side of the spindle pole. ANAPHASE- Chromatids are separated. (Now DAUGHTER CHROMOSOMES) Kinetochore microtubules shorten to do this while nonkinetochore microtubules rub against each other to lengthen cell. The daughter chromosomes & centrosomes are now on opposite sides of the cell.

Mitosis (M) cont.

TELOPHASE- Final stage of mitosis. Components of new cells appear (nuclear envelopes reform and nucleolus comes back). Spindle fibres break up releasing nonkinetochore microtubules from each other. Chromosomes return to uncondensed state.

Cytokinesis
When CLEAVAGE takes place. A CLEAVAGE FURROW forms which acts as a contracting ring of microfilaments. Cell eventually separates when the cytoplasm divides = two DAUGHTER CELLS. The organelles are replicated just before the cell splits.

Mitosis processes

Control Systems
Eukaryotic cell cycles are regulated by molecular control system. Cell cycle action is determined by chemical signals in the cytoplasm. Control system is like a clock. Internal and external controls. Checkpoints where cell stops until the go-ahead. Main checkpoint is in G1 of interphase- passing this normally means the cell will complete the cycle. No go-ahead means entering G0 the non dividing state. An important external control system is DENSITY DEPENDENT INHIBITION which stops cells dividing when there is a crowding.