How do we get new cells?
Cells reproduce through a process called …
asexual reproduction.
Asexual reproduction is reproduction without sex.
(a – without; sexual – sex)
A new organism is produced from one organism.
The new organism is identical to the “parent” organism.
Cells reproduce by a process called mitosis.
Mitosis
Mitosis is the process in which the nucleus divides to form two identical nuclei.
The nucleus in the new cell is identical to the original nucleus.
Steps of Mitosis
At the end of Interphase – cell’s chromosomes duplicate.
Chromosomes contain the cell’s genetic materials.
Prophase follows Interphase. Source: roche.com
Prophase – Chromatid pairs are now visible and the spindle fibers are beginning to form.
Chromatid – duplicated chromosome coils.
Source: roche.com
Metaphase follows Prophase. Source: roche.com
Metaphase – Chromatid pairs are lined up in the center of the cell.
Source: roche.com
Anaphase follows Metaphase.
Anaphase – the chromosomes have separated.
Source: roche.com
Telophase follows Anaphase. Source: roche.com
Telophase – It is now obvious that two cells are forming. Source: roche.com
Cytokinesis – the nucleus begins to re-appear. Source: roche.com
Cytokinesis – you now have two cells. Source: roche.com
There’s another type of reproduction.
Sexual Reproduction
Two sex cells come together and form a new organism.
The male produces sperm. The female produces an egg.
The joining of the sperm and egg is called fertilization.
The process of forming sex cells (gametes) is called meiosis.
Meiosis
Meiosis I
The exact same process as Mitosis (except each step ends with a I)
Meiosis II
Prophase II DNA does not make a copy of itself.
Prophase II Chromosomes condense, nuclear membrane breaks down, spindle fibers form.
Prophase II Source: roche.com
Metaphase II Spindles attach to chromatids. Chromatids begin to line-up.
Metaphase II Source: roche.com
Anaphase II Chromatids split, taking ½ of each chromosome.
Anaphase II Source: roche.com
Telophase II Cell membranes starts to pinch off. Cells split, leaving four haploid cells.
Telophase II Source: macroevolution.net
Cytokinesis Cell membranes starts to pinch off. Cells split, leaving four haploid cells.
Source: roche.com Cytokinesis