MITOSIS

Chromosome number: the number of chromosomes present in the nucleus of a cell, each species has a specific
number of chromosomes in its cells (See figure 20.1 for examples). The chromosome number for humans is 46, thus
there are 46 chromosomes (23chromosome pairs) in each cell of the body except for the sex cells, which have 23
chromosomes. It should be noted that though the chromosome number for a species does not change with each
individual, the combination of genes is different, except in identical twins.
Chromosomes: contain genetic information in the form of genes
THE CELL CYCLE
This is the sequence of events which occur between the start of one cell division and the start of the next. The
longest part of this is interphase during this the cell grows and carries out its functions. At the end of interphase cell
division begins. For mitosis this cycle can be divided into:, Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase. (See
diagram below for illustration of mitosis). Each stage is described below:

Interphase before mitosis: the cell is prepared for division where chromosomes become shorter and fatter,
this makes them more easily seen. Each chromosome makes an exact copy of itself, forming two
chromatids joined at a centromere.

Prophase: The chromatin, diffuse in interphase, condenses into chromosomes. Each chromosome has
duplicated and now consists of two sister chromatids. At the end of prophase, the nuclear envelope breaks
down into vesicles. Nucleolus shrinks and disappears, centrioles move to opposite sides of the cell, spindle
fibres develop.

Metaphase: The chromosomes align at the equitorial plate and are held in place by microtubules attached
to the mitotic spindle and to part of the centromere.

Anaphase: The centromeres divide. Sister chromatids separate and move toward the corresponding poles.
Chromatids reach opposite sides of the cell; exact copies of chromosomes are at both sides of the cell.

Telophase: Daughter chromosomes arrive at the poles. The condensed chromatin expands and the nuclear
envelope reappears. The cytoplasm divides, the cell membrane pinches inward ultimately producing two
daughter cells (phase: Cytokinesis).

Cytokinesis: the cell membrane develops down the middle of the cell so it is ultimately split into two
identical cells.

DIAGRAM ILLUSTRATING MITOSIS

IMPORTANCE OF MAINTAINING A SPECIES CHROMOSOME NUMBER

Every organism has in its nucleus the blueprint to create an organism. When the male and female gametes fuse a
single cell is formed (zygote) with this information. When the zygote is formed after fertilization, cell division must
occur for growth of an organism, after cell division the chromosome number must remain the same to maintain the
species, thus the production of identical daughter cells by mitosis. This leads to the development of a multicellular
organism with the same chromosome number.
MITOSIS

Occurs in all body cells except in the formation of gametes

Two identical daughter cells are formed i.e. they have the same chromosome number and combination of
genes. This ensures that all cells have the full chromosome number and possess all the genetic information
to help them carry out their role.

A human cell can be described as diploid or 2n this means that it has twice its basic chromosome number
(n).

Mitosis is important for repair

It is also important for the growth from a zygote onwards

Mitosis is the process by which some organisms reproduce asexually, thus the offspring are identical to the
parent.

REPLICATION
This is the process whereby a chromosome can copy itself; chromosomes carry genetic material in the form of DNA
(deoxyribose nucleic acid).
NB: Watson and Crick published the 1st published description if DNA in 1953
DNA:

Double helix

Two chains

Replication allows the production of 2 identical cells when it divides by mitosis.

1 DNA made up of 2 chains

2 - The chains unwind from one another
3 Each chain makes an exact copy of itself
4- Two exact copies of DNA at the end of the replication
MITOSIS AND ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION

Requires one parent

Parent divides into two or part of the parent separates and then develops into a new individual

Offspring are genetically identical to the parents

Physical and behavioural characteristics are the same as that of the parents unless variation due to the
environment occurs

E.g. Binary fission, vegetative propagation, budding, cloning

Binary fission

E.g. occurs in bacteria and amoeba

The organism divides into two and each develops into a new organism
Chromosomes replicate nucleus divides cytoplasm divides identical organisms formed

Vegetative propagation

Buds grow from the plant from which a new plant develops

New plant detaches from parent

Occurs in bulbs, corms, rhizomes, tubers, tap roots, runners, stolons and tillers

Runners
Stems grow out runner touches ground adventitious roots develop new plants form runner decays
new plant is established
Stolon
Underground runner, very effective e.g. sugar cane
Cutting
The stem is cut out near a node and pushed into the soil, and new roots grow out of the submerged stem to establish
a new plant. E.g. sugar cane
Grafting
A cutting of one plant called a scion is inserted into a slit in the stem of another plant, and they are joined by binding
them, the scion grows into a new plant, the stock already has a root system so the scion can grow into a new plant.
Tissue culture
Tissue culture is the growth of tissues and/or cells separate from the organism. This is typically facilitated via use
of a liquid, semi-solid, or solid growth media, such as broth or agar. Tissue culture commonly refers to the culture of
animal cells and tissues, while the more specific term plant tissue culture is used for plants. It is a form of vegetative
propagation, and can be used to make large numbers of identical plants, it results from mitosis. Using tissue culture
or cloning whole plants are made from small pieces cut from a parent plant. This off course depends on the fact that
each plant cell has the ability to form a whole new plant.

Advantages of tissue culture

Large numbers can be produced quickly

Superior organisms can be replicated quickly

It can be used to develop plant species which cannot be replicated easily by sexual reproduction

Disadvantages:

There is a loss of variety, since similar organisms are being produced, so that if a disease or natural disaster
occurred all the organisms would have the same level of resistance.

Cloning:

An exact copy of an organism

The first four cells created by mitosis after the formation of a zygote can be used to make clones of the
organism

It is financially advantageous to make clones of a superior organism

It can be used to produce organisms which have special genes which have been added by genetic
engineering

A clone can also be created by taking the nucleus of a body cell from a superior individual and using it to
replace the nucleus of a fertilized ovum and then implanted in the womb of a surrogate mother.

Identical twins are in a sense clones since after the first division of the zygote two cells are formed, which
somehow split apart and develop into two individuals, later on the environment may cause subtle
differences.

Advantages of cloning

Superior traits can be passed on, there is no risk of loss during genetic exchange in meiosis

The use of surrogate mothers means that superior offspring can be carried to those that would have been
created by the genetic mother.

Disadvantageous

The effects of using a body cell are not yet fully known

It may be viewed as unethical