BIO 156

Chapter 16
Chromosomes, Cell Division, and the Cell Cycle
 The Cell Cycle

• The cell cycle

is divided into
two parts:
– Interphase
– Cell
division
Interphase is divided into
three parts:
– G1, S, and G2
• During G1, the cell
produces RNA, proteins,
and other molecules.
• During the S phase, the
DNA replicates
• During G2, mitochondria
divide and precursors of
the spindle fibers form
• Nuclear and cytoplasmic division occur
separately.
– Cell division follows interphase.
– It requires two separate but related
processes: mitosis, or nuclear division, and
cytokinesis, or cytoplasmic division.
 The Chromosome
• Human body cells contain 46 chromosomes that
contain all of the genetic information required to
control cellular activity.
– Each organism has a set number of
chromosomes
– All body cells, except the germ cells, are called
somatic cells.
• Body cells contain a full complement of
chromosomes and are described as diploid.
• Germ cells or gametes contain half the
number of chromosomes of somatic cells and
are referred to as haploid cells.
• Chromosomes
condense after
replication, which
facilitates mitosis.
– Condensed
chromosomes are
metabolically
inactive.
– The number of
chromatids in
chromosomes
varies, depending
on the stage of the
cell cycle.
Amniocentesis
Normal Karyotype

Down’s Syndrome Karyotype

 Cell Division
• Mitosis is divided into four stages:
– Prophase
– Metaphase
– Anaphase
– Telophase
• Prophase
– Chromosomes condense
– Nuclear envelope disappears
– Centrioles divide and migrate to opposite poles
of the dividing cell
– Spindle fibers form and attach to chromosomes
 Prophase

Interphase Prophase
• Metaphase
– Chromosomes line up on equatorial plate of
the dividing cell.
• Anaphase
– Chromosomes begin to separate.
• Telophase
– Chromosomes
migrate or are
pulled to opposite
poles.
– New nuclear
envelope forms.
– Chromosomes
uncoil.
• Cytokinesis, the division of the cytoplasm, is
made possible by contraction of
microfilaments beneath the cell membrane.
– Cytokinesis begins in late anaphase or
early telophase.
– In human cells, cytokinesis results from the
contraction of microfilaments lying beneath
the plasma membrane.

Mitosis
 Control of the Cell Cycle
• Many factors appear to control the cell
cycle.
– Research suggests the cell cycle is
controlled in part by chemical messages
produced in the cytoplasm.
– External controls such as hormones,
growth regulators, and cell contact are
imposed on the cell.
End of Chapter 16