Why and how cells divide? WHY DIVIDE?

Cell size is limited by 3 factors: 1) Diffusion rate slows down in large cells. 2) DNA content large cell need more DNA 3) Surface Area-to-volume ratio as cell size increases the membrane surface is not able to maintain homeostasis If the cell experiences these limitations it must die!!! divide or

HOW CELLS DIVIDE? Cell cycle sequence of growth and division of a cell. 2 periods of the cell cycle - 1) Interphase growth 2) Mitosis nuclear division Interphase - major events 1) size doubles, # organelles doubles 2) DNA synthesis occurs 3) Continued growth & prep for division DNA: Chromatin or Chromosomes? During interphase the DNA exists as uncoiled chromatin but during cell division the DNA will pack up to form condensed bodies called chromosomes.

Mitosis Nuclear Division Mitosis is the division of the cell that creates two daughter cells that have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. 4 Phases: 1) Prophase chromosomes condense and become visible, nuclear envelope disappears, spindle forms 2) Metaphase chromosomes line up at the middle of cell 3) Anaphase sister chromatids pull apart and move to opposite poles 4) Telophase chromosomes disappear and cell splits by cytokinesis