The process by which a cell copies itself by splitting its genetic material is known as cell division. Cells are present in every living thing. Every living entity comprises one or more cells, which are the most fundamental components of life. These cells reproduce by replicating their genetic information and dividing, in which two daughter cells are born from a parent cell. There are several types of cell division depending on the type of organism being divided. Different and more complex forms of cell division have emerged in animals over time. Most prokaryotes, or bacteria, divide their cells by binary fission. Mitosis is a division process used by all eukaryotes.
Types of Cell Division
Cell division can be classified into three types:
- Binary fission
- Mitosis
- Meiosis
Binary Fission
In prokaryotes, binary fission is the cell division that occurs (bacteria and archaea). In these cells, the genetic material (nucleoid) is organised in a single circular chromosome of DNA.
The genetic material of these cells is duplicated before division, similar to eukaryotes. The two chromosomes connected to the plasma membrane migrate apart as the prokaryote elongates. After the two copies (the original and replicate chromosomes) have split, the cell divides in a process known as cytokinesis. Unless there is a mutation, the two cells that result are identical. This binary fission is generally observed in most living things. This is generally asexual reproduction with the help of separation. And this eventually results in the two new bodies. From the parent cell, it results in the formation of two daughter cells.
Mitosis
This procedure produces identical daughter cells produced by chromosome replication and initial replication. The daughter cells are similar to the parent cells because if the parent cell is diploid, so is the daughter cell.
Mitosis is responsible for the vast majority of cell divisions in our bodies. The process is essential to an organism’s physical growth and development, and it occurs throughout their lives. Mitotic cell division is the sole means for some single-celled organisms, such as yeast, to reproduce.
The replicated chromosomes are positioned in the centre of the cytoplasm during mitosis. They are separated for the daughter cells to receive a copy of the original DNA. The presence of microtubules (spindle fibres), which draw the chromosomes into each cell, allows this.
The centrioles, located on either side of the cells, give rise to these fibres, which may contain even smaller microtubules known as aster. These are supposed to act as bracing for the fibres’ proper functioning.
Meiosis
In sexually reproducing humans, meiosis is involved in generating sperm and eggs. A single cell splits twice during meiosis to produce four cells with half the amount of genetic material. It can be found in both male and female sperm and egg cells. This procedure halves the number of chromosomes. When a sperm fertilises an egg, the resulting zygote contains a complete set of chromosomes.
As a result, a cell that goes through meiosis divides twice (meiosis 1 and meiosis 2). Four haploids (n) gametes are produced from diploid (2n) parent cells. The reduction phase is meiosis 1, while the division phase is meiosis 2. Unlike mitosis, two homologous chromosomes will line up next to each other in meiosis (synapsis). Bivalent refers to the homologous pair that results.
Meiosis is a cell division employed by sexually reproducing eukaryotes to reduce the cell’s genetic content. This is necessary because each parent is only allowed to give half of the genetic material required for sexual reproduction; otherwise, the offspring would have excess DNA, which could be problematic. Reproduction or cell division generally occurs in most living organisms.
Division of Cell
Depending on the cell type, cells divide in two ways: mitosis and meiosis. Each cell division strategy has its unique set of characteristics. One of the most significant differences in mitosis is that a single cell divides into two identical replicas with the same number of chromosomes. Cell division like this is beneficial for real growth, repair and maintenance. A cell divides into four cells with half the number of chromosomes during meiosis. Sexual reproduction and genetic diversity must reduce the number of chromosomes by half.
Conclusion
Cells communicate with one another to regulate their division; via chemical signals emitted by particular proteins known as cyclins. It is vital to remember that there are three different forms of cell division, each of which serves a distinct purpose and accomplishes a specific goal.
Since cells wear out and need to be replaced, mitosis, the most prevalent form of cell division, is critical for growth and repair. Mitosis is also necessary for the repair and development of damaged tissues. Meiosis, a unique kind of cell division found only in eukaryotes, is critical for generating gametes, which are essential for species reproduction and survival. Binary fission, a type of asexual reproduction, allows for the continuance of more superficial species like bacteria.