Chapter 3: Anatomy and physiology of the cell

Lesson 3: Growth and reproduction of cells

Objectives:
1. Describe the growth phase of the cell life cycle.
2. Discuss the four distinct phases of mitosis.
3. Discuss the phases of meiosis
Outline:
Growth and reproduction of cells
o Cell Cycle
o Mitosis
o Meiosis
 Growth and reproduction of cells
Cell growth & reproduction are the 2 processes that constitute the cell life cycle.
 Cell growth: depends on using genetic information in DNA to make the structural and
functional proteins needed for cell survival
 Cell reproduction: ensures that the genetic information passes from one generation to
the other
Mistakes in these processes can lead to lethal genetic disorder, and cancers.

• G1 = Growth 1 - The first portion of the cell cycle before DNA synthesis is begun, usually the
longest portion of the cell cycle, during which the cell grows to its mature size and begins to carry
out its specific metabolic activities.
• S-phase = Synthesis phase - The second portion of the cell cycle during which DNA synthesis
occurs, usually the shortest portion of the cell cycle; the DNA synthesis which occurs produces
copies of all the chromosomes in the nucleus to prepare the cell for a future cell division (mitosis
or meiosis followed by cytokinesis).
• G2 = Growth 2 - The third portion of the cell cycle which takes place after DNA synthesis is
complete and before nuclear and then cytoplasmic division begin; G2 is of variable length
depending on cell type.
• M-phase- Mature cell reproduction (mitosis or meiosis followed by cytokinesis)
Steps of DNA synthesis:
1. DNA molecules uncoil and unzip to expose their bases
2. Nucleotides already present in the intracellular fluid of the nucleus attach to the exposed
bases according to the principle of the obligatory base pairing
3. As nucleotides attach to complementary bases along each DNA strand, the enzyme
DNA polymerase causes them bind to each other
4. Two identical daughter molecules are formed and coil to become distinct DNA double
helices called chromatids
 Cell reproduction
Mitosis

The longest phase

Disappearance of the
network of chromatin
(into distinct
chromosomes) *Each
chromosome consists
of 2 longitudinal
filaments (chromatids)
attached by
centromere.
In animal cells 2 pairs of centrioles appear close to the
nucleus. *Each pair move towards one pole. *Dense fibers
Duplication of chromosomal materials
radiate from them across the cytoplasm forming
spindle.*The nuclear membrane disappears, nucleolus
degenerates

The paired chromatids

become straightly
arranged and fixed by
the spindle fibers with
the centromeres along
the midline of the cell
(equatorial plane)
*Each centromere
divides into two one for each chromatid

Upon reaching the

cell poles, chromosomes lose their identity coil up
into chromatin net.
*Nuclear membrane appears.
*The nucleolus appears
The shortest phase.
*The spindle fibers disappear.
*Identical chromatids separate
*The centrioles divide.
into independent
At the end of nuclear division, the cytoplasm divides
chromosomes.
by a constriction in the cell membrane along the
*The spindle fibers contract
equator.
Withdrawing each of the new
*This starts by a groove on the surface that deepens
chromosomes toward the cell
till 2 cells separate from one to another.
poles.
*two identical sets of chromosomes are formed on the poles
 Meiosis

Interphase: Prophase I: Metaphase I: Anaphase I:

Duplication of The longest step and the most Homologous pairs of
chromosomal complication. chromosomes arrange on The chromosomes
materials. Chromatin reticulum uncoils and the theequator of the cell. separate from one
chromosomes become distinct. *They become pulled by the another and each
Homologous chromosomes arrange spindle fibersthat connect with moves as a pair of
in pairs, each pair appears formed the centromere in each pair chromatids(without
of 4 even chromatids(tetrad) division of
*Chiasma formation and crossing over centromere)
between the 2 inner chromatids of the
*The whole
tetrads(new genetic arrangement of the
chromosomes are
chromatids of crossing over)
separated here not
Parental chromatids remain without a
chromatids like in
change
mitosis
Spindle fibers form and spread out between
the centrioles.
Interphase: Early prophase II: Metaphase II: Anaphase II: Telophase II:
No replication *Chromosomes become Chromosomes arrange *The nuclear
of condensed on the equator. Each homologous membrane appears
chromosoml *Nuclear membrane ,nucleolus *The centromere divide chromatid separates around each new set
material for disappear. so that each one and moves of chromosomes.
the second Late prophase II: connects with a independently.(due *4 haploid nuclei are
time *Spindles are formed again chromatid on the spindle to retraction of formed.
spindle fibers) *Cytoplasmic division
then follows
producing 4
daughter
cells each with (N)
chromosomes.