Explain how cell division occurs in the somatic mitosis cell

Explain how cell division occurs in the somatic (mitosis) cells of plants. Be sure to state and describe each stage and phase of the cell cycle.

Solution

The process by which one parent cell divides to form two daughter cells is called as mitosis. During this process, both daughter cells inherit equal amount of cellular and genetic material, and are identical to each other. The majority of cell divisions that occur in eukaryotes (plants included) can be attributed to mitosis.

The process of mitosis begins with first the duplication of cellular and genetic material. The cell then undergoes a process called as karyokinesis and cytokinesis, which essentially is splitting up one cell into two cells. Each cell receives equal amount of all chromosomes. Broadly, mitosis can be divided into 4 phases- Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase and Telophase.

Prophase: In early prophase, the chromosomes begin to condense, which makes them easier to pull apart. Mitotic spndles are formed, which are part of the cell\'s cytoskeletal assembly. The nucleoli dissapear, and the nucleus gets ready to break down. This is followed by later prophase, in which the chromosomes finish condensing, there is breakdown of nuclear envelope, and the mitotic spindles begin to capture the chromosomes.

Metaphase: The spindles attach to the chromosomes at the kinetochore. The chromosomes align themselves on a metaphase plate. At this stage, the two kinetochores of each chromosome are attached microtubules from opposite spindles.

Anaphase:In this phase, the sister chromatids separate from each other, and are pulled towards the opposite directions.The chromosomes of each pair are pulled towards opposite ends of the cell. Motor proteins are responsible for this process, which requires ATP.

Telophase: Now, the cell is almost divided. The process of cytokinesis begins to take place, which is essentially division of cellular components. The mitotic spindles begin to break down. Two nuclei are formed, which are enclosed by nuclear membrane. Each cell would now have its own set of chromosomes, which no decondense.

At the end of cytokinesis, we end up with two new cells, each with a complete set of chromosomes identical to those of the mother cell.