Table of Contents
Introduction
As we all are aware, reproduction is an essential process for the continuity of life.
Cell division is necessary to create genetic diversity.
In unicellular organisms, cell division is a significant process through which a unicellular organism develops into a new organism.
In multicellular organisms, the process of cell division helps in maintaining a balance between DNA and RNA contents as well as the nuclear and cytoplasmic contents of the cell. Cell division also plays a necessary role in the vegetative propagation of crops.
What is Cell Division?
Cell division is the biological process during which a cell divides, for the formation of daughter cells. The complete event is carried out in multiple steps and the total time required for a cell cycle and cell division is about 24 hours.
As per the cell theory, a cell emerges from pre-existing cells, through a process of cell division. A cell cycle is a stage through which a cell undergoes division from one phase to the next phase.
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Explore more: Cell Division
Types of Cell Division
There are two distinct types of cell division:
Mitosis
In this type of cell division, the cells produce accurate copies of themselves. Mitosis is observed in almost all cells of the body, including muscle cells, skin, hair, eyes, etc. It is a vegetative type of cell division.
Meiosis
In this type of cell division, egg cells, or the sperms are produced instead of identical daughter cells. Compared to the mitosis cell division, in meiosis, each daughter cell is divided into four haploid daughter cells.
Also Refer: The Differences between mitosis and meiosis
Significance of Cell Division
Cell division plays an important role in all living organisms, as it is essential for growth, repair and reproduction.
This process helps in:
- Renewing of damaged cells.
- Production of new cells from older ones.
- Maintains the total number of chromosomes.
- Provides more cells for growth and development.
- Repairs and controls the damage caused to the cells.
- Also helps in the survival and growth of living organisms.
- It is responsible for the definite shape, size and proper growth and development of an individual.
- In plants, mitosis helps in the formation of new parts and in repairing damaged parts.
Reads more: Cell Cycle and Cell Division
Learn more in detail about cell division, their significance and any other related topics at BYJU’S Biology
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
Which type of cell division is required for the growth and repair of the body and which type of cell division is involved in the formation of gametes?
Meiosis: Meiosis is the cell division that is required for the formation of a gamete. In this, a mother cell divides consecutively twice to produce four daughter cells. The daughter cells have half the number of chromosomes as the mother cell.
How does a cell decide between cell division and cell survivability?