Nucleus
The nucleus is where chromosomes are found. These chromosomes contain genes that have instructions for making new cells. The DNA molecules make up the chromosomes, and we have 23 pairs of chromosomes, with one from each pair coming from each parent.
Cell Cycle
The cell cycle is a series of events where body cells divide, needed for growth and repair.
Mitosis
Mitosis is when the nucleus divides, as one set of chromosomes is pulled to each end of the dividing cell.
Cell Division Process
During this process, the cytoplasm and cell membrane divide to form two identical daughter cells.
Growth and Differentiation
Growth is a permanent increase in size due to cell division, while differentiation occurs when the cells of a multicellular organism are not all the same. As cells divide, grow and develop, they differentiate into specialized cells.
Stem Cells and Differentiation
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can differentiate into any type of specialized cell. Differentiation occurs when embryonic stem cells are found in embryos in animals and as an adult bone marrow. In plants, they are found in meristems, which are areas in the roots and shoots.
Cloning in Plants
Plants can be cloned from meristem cells, and the process is used to save endangered species from extinction. It is quick and relatively cheap, allowing large numbers of plants to be cloned and then sold. This is useful for research and producing crops with specific characteristics.
Stem Cells in Animal
Scientists hope that embryonic stem cells can be encouraged to differentiate into almost any different type of cell needed by the body. This can be achieved when a sperm cell fertilizes an egg cell, forming a zygote, which then divides to form a ball of cells, an embryo.
Problems with Embryonic Stem Cells
Some embryonic stem cells come from aborted embryos, while others are leftover from fertility treatments. This has led to ethical concerns, with some people viewing it as a violation of human rights. Additionally, there are potential risks such as autoimmune responses and viral infections being passed to patients.
In conclusion, cell division plays a crucial role in the growth and development of animals and plants. Understanding the different types of cell division and the process of differentiation is essential for various applications, from cloning plants to potential medical treatments using stem cells. However, ethical and practical challenges need to be carefully considered in these processes.
