Chapter 29, Problem F9.2BYB

Summary Introduction

To explain:

The role of mitosis and meiosis in the human body.

Given:

Mitosis and meiosis are the types of cell division.

Introduction:

The human life cycle involves mitosis and meiosis cell divisions. Mitosis is an equational cell division in which two genetically identical daughter cells are produced, whereas in meiosis four daughter cells are produced with chromosomes reduced to half.

Explanation of Solution

The human life cycle mitosis occurs in all somatic cells. Its function is to replicate a diploid cell into two cells which are genetically identical, and both the daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes. After a fertilization, zygote is formed. The zygote undergoes repeated mitosis. The division of the zygote continues exponentially to grow an individual’s body parts, develop, repair damaged tissues, and replace dead cells.

Meiosis cell division occurs in the reproductive or germ cells of the humans to produce gametes or sex cells such as perms in males and ova in females. A gamete has half the chromosomes as in the original reproductive cell. Each reproductive cell of human has 46 chromosomes. Hence, in a gamete or sex cell, the chromosome is reduced to 23. Each gamete or sex cell has a unique combination of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) due to crossing over during meiosis.

Conclusion

Mitosis and meiosis are the types of cell division. These two are the vital processes for the existence of all the sexually reproducing organisms. Mitosis divides somatic cells which are required for growth and development. Meiosis produces gametes or sex cells needed for sexual reproduction. Together, they provide growth and sexual reproduction of organisms.