Cell Division and Mitosis

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Limits on Cell Size

Cell size is restricted by the surface-tovolume ratio.

When a cell grows, its volume increases more rapidly than its surface area. A cell that is too large will not be able to move materials into and out of the cell.

When this limit is reached the cell can either stop growing or divide.

Before Cell Division

Interphase: the cell grows and the chromosomes make copies of themselves. This process goes in 3 stages called G1, S, and G2. About 90% of the time spent in the cell cycle is during interphase. 10% of the Cell cycle is mitosis.

Phases of Interphase

Much of the time spent in interphase, the cell is carrying out its normal functions for the organism. G1= Gap 1 phase, cell grows and organelles replicate. S= DNA synthesis, genetic material duplicates G2= Chromosomes remain loosely packed and the cell prepares for mitosis.

Interphase

Nuclear envelope is fully intact. Nucleolus is present. DNA takes the form of chromatin.

Cell Division

Cells divide in two steps: Mitosis: division of nucleus Cytokinesis: division of the cytoplasm

Prophase

The DNA condenses into chromosomes. The nuclear envelope disappears. The centrioles begin to produce a network of protein filaments called the spindle apparatus.

Prophase
(Animal Cell)

Chromosomes

Chromosomes are made DNA, just like chromatin.

Duplicated chromosomes are composed of two identical sister chromatids.

They are joined at the centromere.

Mitosis

In mitosis, the chromosomes cannot move around on their own, so the spindle apparatus moves them. Construction of the spindle apparatus is the sole job of the centrioles.

Metaphase

The spindle apparatus lines up the chromosomes along the center of the cell.

Metaphase
(Animal Cell)

Anaphase

The sister chromatids are separated and pulled to opposite ends of the cell.

Anaphase
(Animal Cell)

Telophase

Nucleus separation is complete. A nuclear envelope forms around each new nucleus. In plants, a cell plate begins to form. This will eventually become a cell wall.

Telophase
(Animal Cell)

Cytokinesis

The cell plate develops into a new cell wall and plasma membrane. The cytoplasm of the two cells is completely separated.

Cytokinesis
(Animal Cell)
cleavage furrow

Virtual Onion Root Tip Mitosis Lab

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The Cell Cycle Control System

The sequential events of the cell cycle are directed by a distinct cell cycle control system, which is similar to a clock The clock has specific checkpoints where the cell cycle stops until a go-ahead signal is received

For many cells, the G1 checkpoint seems to be the most important one. If a cell receives a go-ahead signal at the G1 checkpoint, it will usually complete the other phases and divide. If the cell does not receive the go-ahead signal, it will exit the cycle, switching into a nondividing state called the G0 phase

Density-dependent inhibition causes cells to stop dividing when they run out of space. Anchorage dependence causes cells to only divide when they are attached to a layer of connective tissue.

Loss of Cell Cycle Controls in Cancer Cells

Cancer cells do not respond normally to the bodys control mechanisms Cancer cells form tumors, masses of abnormal cells within otherwise normal tissue

Loss of Cell Cycle Controls in Cancer Cells

If abnormal cells remain at the original site, the lump is called a benign tumor. Malignant tumors invade surrounding tissues and can metastasize, exporting cancer cells to other parts of the body, where they may form more tumors.