Cell division is the process by which a single cell divides into two or more daughter cells.
Role of Chromosomes in Cell Division
Chromosomes play a critical role in cell division as they carry the genetic information of the cell and are responsible for ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set of chromosomes.
Following is a detailed explanation of the role of chromosomes in each stage of cell division –
Role of Chromosome in Interphase
Interphase is the stage of the cell cycle where the cell is not dividing. Instead in Interphase the cell is growing and carrying out its normal functions. During interphase, chromosomes are not visible because they are in their uncondensed state (chromatin). Chromosomes play a critical role in interphase by replicating DNA regulating gene expression, maintaining chromosome structure and facilitating DNA repair. These processes ensure that the cell is able to carry out its normal functions and prepare for cell division with a complete and undamaged set of genetic information.
During interphase chromosomes play many important roles in the cell they are as follows in details –
In the S phase of interphase the chromosomes replicate their DNA. Each chromosome is duplicated resulting in two identical sister chromatids held together by a centromere. This process ensures that each daughter cell will receive a complete set of genetic information during cell division.
Regulating gene expression
Chromosomes are not simply inert structures that carry genetic information. They also play a critical role in regulating gene expression. Gene Expression is the process by which the information encoded in DNA is used to build proteins and other cellular components. Certain genes on the chromosomes are turned on or off in response to signals from the environment allowing the cell to respond to changing conditions and carry out its specialized functions.
Maintaining chromosome structure
Although chromosomes are not visible during interphase because they are in their uncondensed state (chromatin) but they still have a distinct structure. Chromatin is organized into discrete units called nucleosomes . It consists of DNA wrapped around a core of proteins called histones. This structure helps to protect the DNA from damage and ensures that it can be accessed by the cell’s machinery when needed.
During interphase DNA damage can occur due to environmental factors such as radiation or chemicals. Chromosomes play a key role in facilitating the repair of damaged DNA. For example – certain proteins on the chromosomes can detect and signal the presence of DNA damage, while others can recruit enzymes to repair the damage.
Also Check – Can there be Mitosis without DNA Replication in S phase ?
Role of Chromosome in Mitosis
Mitosis is the process of cell division in which a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells.
The role of chromosomes in mitosis is to ensure that the daughter cells receive the correct number and type of chromosomes. Chromosomes achieve this by condensing into visible structures attaching to spindle fibers and separating into individual chromosomes during cell division. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic information.
Role of chromosomes in different stages of mitosis in details is as follows –
Prophase
In prophase the chromatin ( chromatin is the loose combination of DNA and proteins) condenses into visible chromosomes. They are made up of two identical sister chromatids held together by a centromere. This process ensures that the chromosomes are compact and easier to move during cell division.During prophase the nuclear envelope dissolves which allows the chromosomes to move freely in the cytoplasm.
Prometaphase
In prometaphase the spindle fibers (microtubules) begin to attach to the chromosomes at their kinetochores. Kinetochores are specialized protein structures located at the centromere. The spindle fibers are responsible for pulling the sister chromatids apart and moving them to opposite poles of the cell.
Metaphase
In metaphase the chromosomes align themselves in the center of the cell (the metaphase plate) and attach to the spindle fibers through their kinetochores. The spindle fibers are responsible for pulling the sister chromatids apart and moving them to opposite poles of the cell.
Anaphase
In anaphase the spindle fibers contract and pull the sister chromatids apart separating them into individual chromosomes. The chromosomes are then pulled towards opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase
In telophase the chromosomes reach their respective poles and the nuclear envelope reforms around each set of chromosomes. Chromosomes begin to decondense and the spindle fibers disassemble. This process ensures that each daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of chromosomes.
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Also Check -Mitosis – Frequently Asked Questions and Answers
Role of Chromosome in Cytokinesis
During cytokinesis the cell undergoes a series of complex processes that lead to the separation of the two daughter cells. The spindle fibers, which have been responsible for separating the chromosomes during mitosis also play an important role in cytokinesis.
The position of the chromosomes during mitosis plays a role in determining where the contractile ring forms during cytokinesis. Chromosomes help to position the mitotic spindle and ensure that the contractile ring forms in the correct location.
Chromosomes play an important role in ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set of chromosomes. In the process of cytokinesis which is the final step of cell division, the cytoplasmic division must be carefully coordinated with the separation of the chromosomes. If cytokinesis is not properly synchronized with the division of the chromosomes, one daughter cell may end up with an unequal number of chromosomes which can lead to genetic abnormalities and diseases.
Also Check – Mitosis In Plant Cell and Animal Cell- Differences and Similarities
Also Check – Cell Organelles – The Complete Guide
Frequently Asked questions on this topic
What is cell division?
Cell division is the process by which a parent cell divides into two or more daughter cells. It is essential for the growth and repair of tissues and is also involved in the reproduction of organisms.
What is the role of chromosomes in Cell Division?
Chromosomes play a crucial role in cell division as they carry the genetic information of an organism. During cell division, chromosomes are duplicated and then separated into daughter cells to ensure that each new cell receives a complete and accurate set of genetic material.
What happens to chromosomes during interphase?
During interphase, chromosomes are replicated or copied in preparation for cell division. They also undergo condensation and become visible under a microscope.
What are the processes that chromosomes facilitate during interphase?
During interphase, chromosomes facilitate the processes of DNA replication, gene expression and the repair of DNA damage.
What happens to chromosomes during Mitosis?
During mitosis, chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope. They align along the equator of the cell and then separate into two daughter cells during the later stages of mitosis.
What are the stages of Mitosis?
The stages of mitosis are prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase.
How do chromosomes ensure that daughter cells receive a complete and accurate set of chromosomes during mitosis?
Chromosomes ensure that daughter cells receive a complete and accurate set of chromosomes during mitosis by duplicating themselves and then aligning along the equator of the cell before being separated into two daughter cells.
What is Cytokinesis?
Cytokinesis is the process by which the cytoplasm of a cell is divided into two daughter cells, each with its own nucleus and genetic material.
How do chromosomes play a role in cytokinesis?
Chromosomes play a role in cytokinesis by ensuring that each daughter cell receives a complete and accurate set of genetic material.
What are the consequences of improper synchronization of cytokinesis with the division of chromosomes?
Improper synchronization of cytokinesis with the division of chromosomes can lead to chromosomal abnormalities, such as aneuploidy, where cells have an abnormal number of chromosomes. This can result in genetic disorders and developmental abnormalities.
Why is eucaryoitic cell
I am not getting your exact question .
Chromosomes play an important role in the process of cell division in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Though the mechanisms of chromosome organization and segregation differ significantly between these two types of cells.
In both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells the role of chromosomes in cell division is to ensure that each daughter cell receives a complete and identical set of genetic material.
In prokaryotic cells which lack a nucleus the genetic material is located in a single circular chromosome. During cell division this chromosome replicates and the two copies move to opposite ends of the cell. The cell then divides and each daughter cell receives one copy of the chromosome.
In eukaryotic cells the genetic material is organized into multiple linear chromosomes which are in the nucleus. The process of cell division in eukaryotic cells is more complex and involves several stages including interphase, mitosis and cytokinesis.
In interphase the cell prepares for division by replicating its DNA and chromosomes. In the mitotic phase the chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope. The cell then divides the replicated chromosomes into two identical sets which move to opposite ends of the cell. And finally in cytokinesis the cell physically splits in two with each daughter cell receiving a complete set of chromosomes.