‘Cell Cycle and Structure of Chromosomes AQ IMPORTANT TERMS AND DEFINITIONS 7. Cells: Thess Le the structural and functional unit of life. Cytokinesis: It is the division of the cytoplasm. ee Chromosomes are the carriers of heredity. A cell has a definite number of chromosomes initand itis a characteristics of a species. The shape and size of a chromosome is best seen at metaphase. During cell division, chromatin material Teorganize to form chromosomes. Crossing-over: It is the process of exchange of genetic material between the non-sister chromatids of ‘the homologous chromosomes. It occurs during meiosis. Karyokinesis: It is the division of nucleus, Mitosis: It is the division of a cell into two identical daughter cells with each cell having the same number of chromosomes as in the parent cell. It occurs in somatic (body) cells. Thus, itis also called equational cell division. Meiosis: It is the kind of cell division that occurs in the reproductive cells to produce the gametes. The number of chromosomes is reduced to half, Thus, itis also called reductional division. It occurs in reproductive cells or germ cells. . Synapsis: During meiosis, the pairing of homologous chromosomes takes place which is called synapsis, and the pair is called bivalent. SAT-Chromosomes: Sometimes, a few chromosomes have a secondary constriction. The part of the chromosome beyond the secondary constriction is called satellite. Such chromosomes are called SAT chromosomes. mA CONCEPTS 1. Cell cycle is the sequence of events that occurs between the cell formation and its division. Cell division is central Parent cell life of the cell and is essential for the perpetuation Dither of the species. New cells are produced for growth, [yokinesis replacement, repair and reproduction. atsnasy | Teptse The cell cycle consists of two phases—Interphase and vinactese: Mitotic phase (M-phase) | "Prophase Interphase: It is the interval between two successive cell division. On the basis of synthetic activities, it is divided into three phases. (a) G,-phase: During this phase, the cells grow in size. RNA and proteins are synthesised for DNA replication. ; : (6) S-phase: During this phase, replication of DNA takes place. Each chromosome contains two sister chromatids, that are attached to a common centromere. At this stage the cell is 4n (4 copies of each DNA molecule, 2 in each homologous chromosome). Fig. Cell cycleer oawe (©) Gy-phase: Itis called pre-mitotic phase, characterised by increase in the volume of nucleus. mRNA, and rRNA are syrtthesised in this phase. M-phase: It follows the interphase, consisting of karyokinesis (division of nucleus) and cytokinesis (division of cytoplasm). 3. Cell divisions are of two kinds—Mitosis and Meiosis. 4, Stages of Mitosis involves karyokinesis and cytokinesis. Karyokinesis consists of four phases: (@) Prophase—Chromatin fibres shorten and condense to form chromosomes. Each chromosome x contains two chromatids (arms) connected at the centromere. The nucleolus and nuclear membrane 0 disappear. The centrosome divides into two centrioles and move towards the opposite poles. () Metaphase—The chromosomes arrange themselves upon the equator of the spindle, which arise from the centriole. (c) Anaphase—The centromere of the chromosome towards opposite poles. vides, the sister chromatids separate and move (@) Telophase — The chromatid when it reaches the poles lengthens to form chromatin threads, the nuclear membrane and nucleolus reappear. Spindle fibres disappear. Karyokinesis is followed by cytokinesis. 5. Cytokinesis It is the division of the cytoplasm. In an animal cell, a furrow appears at the centre of the cell membrane. The furrow deepens and splits into two daughter cells. In a plant cell, a cell plate is formed at the equatorial plane of the spindle and grows from the centre to the periphery to form two daughter cells, cou wat ‘Chramosomes alles Diseppeaing nucoar ea membrane Spindle omatin i ‘bres reer Chromosome _ (win 2 chromatids) Nucleus Chromosome (with chromatids) “ ®) i) CO} Interphase Early prophase Late prophase Metaphase Daughter chromosomes (chromatis) Daughter call i Nucleolus fia rah i In Daughter nudeus it Ila | Le (iu Cel plates Daughter call i) (3) Early tolophase Lato telophase Fig. Stages of mitosis in a plant cell (A to H)a Late anaphase Daughter cell a mons ) Furrowing m% ) 2 SY EY Sie 7 Fig. Stages of mitosis in an animal cell (A to F) 6 Significance of Mitosis: It maintains the number of chromosomes as that of the parents. Daughter cells have same genetic constitution. It helps in the growth of tissues. It also helps in the repairing of worn out cells. 1. Significance of Meiosis: It helps in the formation of gametes (sex cells). It maintains the constant number n in the species due to crossing over. Due to this, s. It also produces v of chromosomes in a spe: variation in the genetic material occurs that might give rise to new species. 8. Differences in the mitosis in plant and animal cell. ai Animal Mitosis Plant Mitosis _ (a) Asters are formed. (b) Cytokinesis by furrowing of cytoplasm. (a) Asters are not formed. (6) Cytokinesis by cell plate formation. (©) Cytokinesis is centrifugal. (6) Cytokinesis is centripetal. (@ Occurs in growing regions. (a) Occurs in most tissues. 9. Differences between Mitosis and Meiosis: Mitosis Meiosis (@) Itoccurs in somatic cells. (a) Itoccurs in reproductive cells. (®) The daughter cells have half the number of (6) The daughter cells contain same number of chromosomes (diploid) as that of the parentcells.| chromosomes (haploid) as that of the parent cells. (©) Two daughter cells are formed. (©) Four daughter cells are formed. (@)_ Two divisions occur. (d) Only one division occurs. Cell Cycle and Structure of Chromosomes Wh