3rd year

‫نبات خاص‬ Biophysics (331) ‫محاضرات في‬

Factors affecting in cellular division

Loss of control of the cell cycle is one of the critical steps in the development
of cancer. There are two types of factors affecting in the rate of cell division: - 1)
physical factors; 2) chemical factors.
1) Physical factors
1- Temperature;
Colder slower, hotter faster but there is an optimum range like with all
cells and temperature. Outside this range things don’t work at all as most
tissues and molecules that form the basis of life are destroyed.
2- Pressure;
At the molecular level, pressure alters the hydration of proteins. For example,
Elevated pressure alters the distinctive cell shapes of eukaryotic cells into simple
round ones, and the structures of cytoskeletal proteins, such as microtubules and
actin and myosin fibres, are depolymerized in vivo and in vitro. Cellular
processes are also affected under high-pressure conditions; for example, DNA,
RNA and protein synthesis in cells is inhibited at 50, 58 and 77 MPa,
respectively.
3- Mechanical stimuli;
Mechanical forces may influence biological responses through various
signal transduction mechanisms to alter structure and function at the
cellular and molecular levels. Also, mechanical forces play a critical role
in regulating tissue organization and architecture in vivo. For example;
mechanical stimuli such as ultrasound stimuli was found help bone cell to
increase the growth rate and lead to healing bone fracture.
4- Magnetic field;
Magnetic fields can also interact with living systems at various levels such
as cell, tissue and organ levels. Magnetic field can alter the structure of
poly L lysine (facilitate the attachment of cells and proteins to solid
surfaces in biological). Many studies show the effect of magnetic field
increases the length of time between completed cell divisions.
5- Gravitation;
Gravitational biology is the study of the effects gravity has on living
organisms. All biological processes are accustomed to the force of gravity

1 Lecture No. (2) Dr. Islam Soliman

3rd year
‫نبات خاص‬ Biophysics (331) ‫محاضرات في‬

and even small variations in this force can have significant impact on the
health and function of organisms. Recent experiments have proven that
alterations in metabolism, immune cell function, cell division, and cell
attachment all occur in the hypogravity of space. For example, after a
matter of days in microgravity (< 10-3 g), human immune cells were
unable to differentiate into mature cells. One of the large implications of
this is that if certain cells cannot differentiate in space, organisms may not
be able to reproduce successfully after exposure to zero gravity. These
stresses can alter metabolic activities and can disturb the chemical
processes in living organisms.
6- Area/volume (Cell Density);
The effect of a physical factor on cell division is clearly seen in density –
dependant inhibition, a phenomenon which crowded cells ( ‫)الخاليا المكتظة او المزدحمه‬

stop dividing. For example; animal cells growing on the surface of a dish
multiply to form a single layer and usually stop dividing when they touch
one another. If some cells are removed, those bordering the open space
begin dividing again and continue until the vacancy is filled. What actually
causes the cessation of growth? Studies of cultured cells suggest that
physical contact of cell-surface proteins between adjacent cells is
responsible for inhibiting call division. If a mistake occurs with the cell’s
signals, cancer can result.
7- Anchorage Dependence;
Some cells will not divide unless they're contact with a solid surface. The
bottom of a petri dish is often sufficient, this means they must be in
contact with some part of the body.
2) Chemical factors
1- Growth hormone;
Proteins that stimulate cell division are known as growth factors. Such as
Growth hormone (GH), also known as somatropin, is a peptide hormone
that stimulates growth, cell reproduction and regeneration in humans and
other animals. Growth hormone is a 191-amino acid, single-chain
polypeptide that is synthesized, stored, and secreted by somatotropic cells
within the lateral wings of the anterior pituitary gland.

2 Lecture No. (2) Dr. Islam Soliman

3rd year
‫نبات خاص‬ Biophysics (331) ‫محاضرات في‬

2- Toxic chemical;
Exposure to toxic chemicals such as pesticides and some cleaning
chemicals can cause cell mutation. When cells mutate and then divide the
results are multiple mutated and damaged cells. Mutated cells are the cause
of illness and disease. Fortunately there are treatments to kill off cells that
were damaged or mutated during cell division.
3- The nutrients;
The nutrients present in the cell affect cell division. Lack of other raw
materials (nutrients and food containing P and N) can slow or stop cell
division. Certain nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and antioxidants are
able to neutralize some chemicals in the body that cause cells to mutate
and divide. Healthy nutrients obtained from consuming fruits and
vegetables help to ensure that cells remain healthy and therefore cell
division produces health cells. In the case of microorganisms, nutrients are
absorbed from their surroundings.
4- Energy;
Lack of energy (not enough ATP produced) can slow or stop cell division.
5- High amounts of alcohol and too much heavy metal exposure also can
damage the chromosomes that carry the instructions on how the cell
division and DNA copying should proceed.
6- Genetics;
Genetic code regulates cell division. Whether a fetus growing in the
womb, a child whose bones are growing or an elderly woman whose bones
have begun to break down, the rate and frequency at which cell division
occurs is regulated by genetic code. Some people's genetic code causes
more cell division than others. For example, one person who grows to be
seven feet in height will have more cell division during the growth phase
than someone who stops growing at five feet.
7- Stress
Stress affects cell division. Research shows that extreme stress levels can
actually damage cells in the human body. If these cells are damaged yet
still undergo cell division, the new cells will also be damaged. This can
cause cancer and other diseases.

3 Lecture No. (2) Dr. Islam Soliman