Cell division

• Cell division


  1. Cells reproduce by making new cells called daughter cells

  2. Unicellular organisms clone themselves during cell division

  3. Multicellular organisms use cell division to grow or replace worn out/injured cells
• Asexual reproduction


  Binary fission - two genetically identical daughter cells
• Gametes


  Sex cells
• Chromosomes


  Contain the genetic material (DNA) in the cell nucleus
• DNA replication


  1. DNA must replicate or copy itself before cell division

  2. DNA condenses into an x-shaped chromosome structure

  3. Each side of the x-shaped chromosome is a genetically identical sister chromatid
• Somatic cells have 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total)
• Gametes have 23 chromosomes (1 from each pair)
• When a sperm and egg fuse, the zygote has 23 pairs of chromosomes (46 total)
• This overview of cell division will help prepare you for studying the cell cycle