Process of Cell Division

Cell Division

In multi-celled organisms cell division is absolutely critical. This refers to the process by which the cells, the building blocks of the organism, replicate themselves. This process is used to replace old cells that have died, repair damage when an organism is wounded and ensure that tissues grow to their proper size as the multi-celled organism is maturing. The actual process of cell division (in this case called mitosis) takes place in two major phases. Each phase is complicated and deals with a large number of changes within the cell.

Interphase and Prophase

Interphase was referred to as the cell's resting time. However, interphase is now known to be the time where the cell begins building up necessary energy and mass. All the necessary components are built up until division is ready to begin. That's when prophase starts. Prophase is the second phase when the cell's nucleus begins to make a copy of its DNA so the new cell will have all of its necessary information. Chromosomes are replicated and the nucleus begins to dissipate.

Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase

Metaphase is where the nuclear envelope, which contains the nucleus of the cell as well as its DNA and chromosomes, dissipates. The chromosomes then begin to line up across the center of the cell. Anaphase begins when all of the chromosomes are lined up down the cell's middle, which is called the equatorial plate. The chromosomes begin dividing in half, becoming sister chromatids. As the chromatids move toward either side of the cell, it begins to split in two. When it finishes, there are now two cells, each with the materials they need to function and create even more cells. Telophase is the process of the new cell creating all the necessary items, such as a nucleus, that it needs out of what it has available. After that, everything cycles back to interphase and the process starts again.

References

• Cell Division