Cells can grow without dividing. Mutations that block the cell cycle generally do not block growth [3], and some differentiated cell types grow without division — developing eggs and some neurons provide particularly dramatic examples of growth without cell division.

The cell cycle has two major phases: interphase and the mitotic phase (Figure 1). During interphase, the cell grows and DNA is replicated. During the mitotic phase, the replicated DNA and cytoplasmic contents are separated, and the cell divides.

When cells divide, they make new cells. A single cell divides to make two cells and these two cells then divide to make four cells, and so on. We call this process “cell division” and “cell reproduction,” because new cells are formed when old cells divide. The ability of cells to divide is unique for living organisms.

When aging cells stop dividing, they become “senescent.” Scientists believe one factor that causes senescence is the length of a cell’s telomeres, or protective caps on the end of chromosomes. Every time chromosomes reproduce, telomeres get shorter. As telomeres dwindle, cell division stops altogether.

Cellular division has three main functions: (1) the reproduction of an entire unicellular organism, (2) the growth and repair of tissues in multicellular animals, and (3) the formation of gametes (eggs and sperm) for sexual reproduction in multicellular animals.

Growth, developement, and repair are the functions of cell divison in multicellular organisms.

What are the three key roles of DNA? DNA must store, copy, and transmit information. Why would the storage of genetic information in genes help explain why chromosomes are separated so carefully during mitosis? Storing information is important because the loss of DNA will lead to a loss of genetic information.

Mitosis three main functions are growth and repair of cells, and asexual reproduction for the single celled organisms.

What is the result of cell division? Cell division results in two cells that are identical to the original, parent cell.

Mitosis is the process in which the nucleus divides to form two identical nuclei. Mitosis is described as a series of phases or steps: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. Mitosis is important because it allows growth and replaces worn out or damaged cells.

Cell division serves as a means of reproduction in unicellular organisms through binary fission. In multicellular organisms, cell division aids in the formation of gametes, which are cells that combine with others to form sexually produced offspring. The human body also repairs injuries by means of cell division.

Another important function of microfilaments is to help divide the cell during mitosis (cell division). Microfilaments aid the process of cytokinesis, which is when the cell “pinches off” and physically separates into two daughter cells.