Cell Division: Definition, Stages, Diagram, Phases and FAQ

Cell Division: Definition, Stages, Diagram, Phases and FAQ

Irshad AnwarUpdated on 02 Jul 2025, 05:56 PM IST

Cell Division is the process where one cell divides into two new cells that are genetically identical to itself. It is the only method through which an organism grows, develops, or repairs tissues. Cell division takes place in a process called mitosis and meiosis. These two processes contribute differently to reproduction and growth. This topic of Biology is important for competitive exams like NEET, and AIIMS BSc nursing as the questions often come from cell division, mainly because of its biological importance.

This Story also Contains

  1. What is Cell Division?
  2. Types of Cell Division
  3. Phases of Cell Cycle
  4. Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis
  5. Phases of Mitosis
  6. Control and Regulation of Cell Division
  7. Significance and Applications of Cell Division
  8. Recommended video for Cell Division
Cell Division: Definition, Stages, Diagram, Phases and FAQ
Cell Division

What is Cell Division?

Cell division is a process in which a parent cell divides to produce two or more daughter cells. Separation occurs such that, at the same time, the latter inherits the genetic material brought from the division. In other words, cell division is a basic process by which the organism is continuously developed, grown, and repaired. Cell division for growth results in the increase of cell populations, and by doing so, an organism attains its final size. Primarily, successful regulation of the cell division process as an organism enables tissues and organs to differentiate into diverse functional units. Secondly, in restorative processes, for example, healing, cellular division of cells replaces damaged and lost cells in such a manner that tissue integrity is maintained.

Types of Cell Division

There are two major types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.

  • Mitosis yields a division of somatic cells, therefore ensuring each daughter cell is a replica of the parent cell. It is very essential for the sustenance of tissues and the asexual reproduction of an organism.

  • Meiosis takes place in the respective speciality cells to form gametes with half the number of chromosomes in the parent cell. This process leads to sexual reproduction and genetic diversity in the offspring.

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Both processes involved in cell division hold a significant part in the life cycles of organisms, which is a potent tool for growth, reproduction, and adaptation.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What are the main types of cell division?
A:
There are two main types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis. Mitosis produces two identical daughter cells and is used for growth and repair. Meiosis produces four genetically diverse cells with half the chromosome number and is used in sexual reproduction.
Q: What is the significance of asymmetric cell division?
A:
Asymmetric cell division is important because:

Phases of Cell Cycle

The cell cycle is the series of events through which a cell passes through cell division and duplication. It has four main phases:

G1 Phase (Gap 1)

The cell grows and performs all the proper cellular functions. It prepares for DNA duplication.

S Phase (Synthesis)

The chromosomes in the cell divide so that each of the two daughter cells will have the complete set of chromosomes.

G2 Phase (Gap 2)

The cell grows during this subphase, and it prepares for mitosis by synthesizing proteins and organelles.

M Phase (Mitosis)

The cell divides into two daughter nuclei. This process incorporates prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

The diagram below indicates the different stages of a cell cycle

Cell Cycle

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How does the cell cycle relate to cell division?
A:
The cell cycle is a series of events that cells go through as they grow and divide. It includes interphase (where the cell grows and prepares for division) and the actual division phase. Cell division is just one part of the larger cell cycle.
Q: What is the significance of interphase in the cell cycle?
A:
Interphase is crucial because:
Q: What is the significance of the G0 phase in the cell cycle?
A:
The G0 phase is important because:
Q: What is the role of the nuclear envelope in cell division?
A:
The nuclear envelope plays several important roles in cell division:
Q: How do cells coordinate growth with division?
A:
Cells coordinate growth and division through:

Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis

Mitosis is the process taking place in somatic cells. It involves growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction. Since it forms two daughter cells, each having the same number of chromosomes (diploid) as the parent cell, the genetic traits of the parent are passed on, and the somatic cells are maintained.

Meiosis occurs in the germ cells, namely the sperm and ova cells, and is central to the process of sexual reproduction. It is the process of two successive cell divisions, resulting in four daughter cells. For the parent cell, in which the number of chromosomes is halved, in other words, haploid. This is vital to ensure that when a sperm or ovum cell fuses to become a zygote, that offspring has the correct chromosome number in the diploid form to be like the rest of the species.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How do cells ensure that each daughter cell receives one copy of each chromosome?
A:
Cells ensure proper chromosome distribution through:
Q: What is the function of the metaphase plate?
A:
The metaphase plate is important because:
Q: What is the significance of chromosome condensation during mitosis?
A:
Chromosome condensation is important because it:
Q: How does cell polarity influence cell division?
A:
Cell polarity affects cell division by:

Phases of Mitosis

The four different stages of mitosis are:

Prophase

  • During this stage, the chromatin condenses and the chromosomes are visible.

  • The nucleolus disappears, and the nuclear envelope fragments.

  • With the disappearance of the nuclear membrane, the centrioles migrate to the opposite end, and spindle formation occurs.

  • Until prophase, the chromosomes have no particular orientation because the spindle has not yet formed.

Metaphase

  • Chromosomes become fully condensed and distinct.

  • Chromosomes move towards the equatorial plane of spindles or metaphase plates.

  • Chromosomes are arranged with their arms directed towards the pole and centromere towards the equator.
    Anaphase

  • The centromere splits, and the two chromatids of the duplicated chromosomes separate from each other.

  • Each chromatid now becomes a daughter chromosome.

  • Daughter chromosomes, each with a centromere and single chromatid, appear to move towards opposite poles.

  • Anaphase is the shortest phase of mitosis.

Telophase

  • During this phase, the spindle disappears and new nuclear envelopes develop around the daughter chromosomes.

  • Each daughter nucleus contains the same number and kinds of chromosomes as the original parent cell.

  • The chromosomes become diffuse chromatin and nucleolus reappears.

  • It is followed by the division of the cytoplasm.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: How do chromosomes ensure genetic material is equally distributed during cell division?
A:
Chromosomes contain the cell's genetic material (DNA). During cell division:
Q: What role does the centrosome play in cell division?
A:
The centrosome is the main microtubule-organizing center in animal cells. During cell division, it:
Q: How do microtubules contribute to chromosome movement during cell division?
A:
Microtubules play a crucial role in chromosome movement by:
Q: What is the difference between cytokinesis in animal and plant cells?
A:
Cytokinesis, the final stage of cell division, differs between animal and plant cells:
Q: What is the significance of sister chromatid cohesion?
A:
Sister chromatid cohesion is important because:

Control and Regulation of Cell Division

The process of cell division is very critical since strictly controlled and well-regulated pathways allow these processes to take place. Among these checkpoints are the G1/S checkpoint, G2/M checkpoint, and spindle checkpoint—all regulating critical events and conditions that have to be checked off before entry to the next cell cycle stage. Such checkpoints that delineate cell cycle progression are under the control of master regulators like the cyclins and CDKs. In this manner, their correct sequentiality ensures that the process of DNA replication is done properly to avoid mistakes that might eventually lead to genomic instability.

Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What triggers a cell to start dividing?
A:
Cell division is triggered by various factors, including:
Q: How does a cell "know" when to stop dividing?
A:
Cells regulate division through:
Q: How do cells coordinate their size with division?
A:
Cells coordinate size and division through:
Q: How do checkpoints regulate the cell cycle?
A:
Checkpoints are control mechanisms that ensure the cell cycle progresses correctly. They:
Q: What is the role of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) in cell division?
A:
Cyclins and CDKs are key regulators of the cell cycle:

Significance and Applications of Cell Division

Cell division is an indispensable process for many different biological phenomena. It is prominently engaged in an increase in size, development, growth, tissue repair, regeneration, and asexual reproduction. Cell division with growth and development enables an organism to get bigger and more complex by the creation of new cells. This includes the differentiated ones. In tissue repair and regeneration, cell division replaces damaged or lost cells and, therefore, restitutes tissue function and integrity. In asexual reproduction, it is the cell division that produces the offspring with a combination of genes in its structure that closely resembles that of its parent. It eventually assures rapid growth in population and survival under favourable conditions. Cell division is a crucial and absolute process in the maintenance, repair, and reproduction of organisms; it represents a fundamental, universal feature of life.

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Commonly Asked Questions

Q: What is cell division and why is it important?
A:
Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It's crucial for growth, repair, and reproduction in living organisms. Without cell division, organisms couldn't develop from a single cell, heal wounds, or replace worn-out cells.
Q: Why do some cells divide more frequently than others?
A:
Cell division frequency depends on the cell's function and the organism's needs. For example, skin cells divide frequently to replace damaged cells, while nerve cells rarely divide. Factors like growth rate, environmental stress, and genetic regulation influence division frequency.
Q: What happens if cell division goes wrong?
A:
Errors in cell division can lead to:
Q: How does DNA replication ensure genetic continuity during cell division?
A:
DNA replication maintains genetic continuity by:
Q: How do cancer cells differ in their division process?
A:
Cancer cells differ from normal cells in division by:

Recommended video for Cell Division


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How do cells regulate the frequency of division?
A:
Cells regulate division frequency through:
Q: How do cells ensure that mitosis and cytokinesis are coordinated?
A:
Cells coordinate mitosis and cytokinesis through:
Q: What is the role of phosphorylation in regulating cell division?
A:
Phosphorylation is crucial in regulating cell division because:
Q: How do cells deal with DNA damage during the cell cycle?
A:
Cells handle DNA damage during the cell cycle by:
Q: What is the significance of the anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) in cell division?
A:
The APC/C is crucial for cell division because:
Q: What is the significance of telomeres in cell division?
A:
Telomeres are important for cell division because:
Q: How do cells regulate the timing of mitosis?
A:
Cells regulate mitosis timing through:
Q: What is the role of kinetochores in cell division?
A:
Kinetochores are crucial for cell division because they:
Q: How does the spindle assembly checkpoint prevent errors in chromosome segregation?
A:
The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) prevents errors by:
Q: What is the role of proteolysis in regulating cell division?
A:
Proteolysis (protein degradation) is crucial in cell division because it: