Question

How is a cell formed?

Answer 1

Cell formation:

1. One cell has the ability to divide in two, creating two new daughter cells. This takes place in the M phase of the mitotic cycle.
2. Cells build a molecular apparatus called the mitotic spindle during mitosis. The mitotic spindle is a thread that grows and contracts known as a microtubule. The chromosomes are organized by the microtubules, which bind to them so that they all line up in the center of the cell.
3. The chromosomes align in the center of the cell, then separate to their opposing sides while staying connected to the microtubules.
4. The chromosomal masses subsequently become progressively further apart as the cell grows longer. The center of the cell pinches off during cytokinesis, dividing the organism into two separate cells. The cell cycle has ended.

Cell formation takes place by:

1. Mitosis
2. Meiosis

Mitosis:

1. It is a type of cell division which occurs in somatic cells.
2. Mitosis is the phase of the cell cycle where the nucleus of a cell is divided into two nuclei with an equal amount of genetic material in both the daughter nuclei.

Features of Mitosis:

1. In each cycle of cell division, two daughter cells are formed from the parent cell.
2. The cell is also known as equational cell division because the chromosome number in the parent cell and daughter cell is the same.
3. In plants, mitosis leads to the growth of vegetative parts of the plant like root tip, stem tip, etc.
4. Segregation and combination do not occur in this process.

Meiosis:

1. It is a type of cell division which occurs in germ cells.
2. Meiosis is a cell division in which the parent cell divides to produce four daughter cells, each containing half the number of chromosomes.

Features of Meiosis:

1. In each cycle of cell division, four daughter cells are formed from the parent cell.
2. The cell is also known as reductional cell division because the chromosome number becomes half in daughter cells.
3. In sexually reproducing organisms, meiosis is necessary for the formation of gametes
4. Segregation and combination occur in this process.