Living things grow and develop through carefully controlled cell division and tissue formation.
Understanding cell division and growth in multicellular organisms is essential for life. When organisms develop from a single cell into complex beings with trillions of cells, they rely on mitosis - a process where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process ensures that each new cell has the same genetic information as the parent cell. The stages of mitosis are carefully regulated to maintain proper growth and development. During interphase, the cell grows and replicates its DNA. Then during the division phases, the duplicated chromosomes separate and two new nuclei form before the cytoplasm splits to create two cells.
Growth in humans and other organisms follows predictable patterns that can be measured and tracked. For example, doctors use baby growth percentile charts to monitor infant development by comparing a baby's height, weight, and head circumference to standard growth curves. These charts help identify if a child is developing typically or may need additional medical support. Normal growth requires proper nutrition, hormones, and environmental conditions. When cells divide too quickly or slowly, it can lead to problems like stunted growth or cancer. Understanding these growth processes helps scientists develop treatments for diseases and allows healthcare providers to support healthy development from infancy through adulthood. The complex coordination between cell division, tissue formation, and overall body growth demonstrates the remarkable organization within living systems.
