Cell division is fundamental to all living organisms and required for growth and development. As an essential means of reproduction for all living things, cell division allows organisms to transfer their genetic material to their offspring.
Cell cycle consists of Interphase and the M phase. Interphase is the stage when the cell grows, replicates its DNA and produces necessary components for cell division. Nuclear division occurs during the M phase, followed by cytokinesis or cytoplasmic division.
Somatic cells divide via mitosis to generate two identical diploid daughter cells, whereas meiosis generates four haploid non-identical daughter cells that are called gametes.
Regulation of cell division ensures the health of daughter cells. Unregulated cell division can lead to tumor formation.
Cell division is fundamental for biological systems. Studying cell cycle and division mechanisms increases our understanding of associated health and disease conditions. It also allows development of therapies for various conditions, such as inhibition of cancer cells with chemotherapeutic agents.
