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Edexcel GCSE Biology Your notes
2.1 Cell Division
Contents
2.1.1 Mitosis
2.1.2 Uncontrolled Cell Division
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2.1.1 Mitosis
Your notes
Mitosis
Mitosis is a nuclear division that gives rise to two genetically identical diploid daughter cells
In a human, this diploid number is 23 pairs of chromosomes
All body cells (and not gametes) are produced by mitosis of the zygote
Mitosis is required for:
Growth: mitosis produces new cells
Repair: to replace damaged or dead cells
Asexual reproduction: mitosis produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent
The Cell Cycle
There are 3 parts of the cell cycle
Interphase - Just before mitosis, the DNA in the nucleus copies itself exactly (forms x-shaped
chromosomes)
Mitosis - Chromosomes line up along the centre of the cell where cell fibres pull them apart
Cytokinesis - The cell cytoplasm and membrane divides to produce two daughter cells; each
new cell has a copy of each of the chromosomes
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The three stages of the cell cycle
The Stages of Mitosis Your notes
The process of mitosis is itself made up of a series of stages that begin after interphase has occurred.
These stages occur in the following order:
Prophase - DNA condenses, chromosomes become visible and the nuclear membrane breaks
down
Metaphase - Chromosomes line up on the equator of the cell (the metaphase plate)
Anaphase - Fibres split the chromosomes down the centre and pull one chromatid to either side
of the cell
Telophase - New membranes form around the chromosomes at either end of the cell
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Your notes
The stages of mitosis
Exam Tip
Sometimes you will be asked to calculate the number of cells that would result from a certain number
of divisions. In order to work this out, you need to calculate 2 to the power of the number of divisions
(2n).For example, if we started with 1 cell and it divided 7 times, we would end up with 27 cells, which is
128 cells.
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2.1.2 Uncontrolled Cell Division
Your notes
Uncontrolled Cell Division
Cells in the body divide by mitosis to produce more cells - this is essential for growth and to repair
damaged cells
For example, the cells of the intestines are constantly dividing to replace those that are shed as
food moves through the digestive system
Mitosis is just one part of the cell cycle which is regulated by many different genes to ensure that cells
divide only when they need to and stop when required
Cancer is caused as a result of mutations in the DNA of cells that lead to uncontrolled cell growth and
division - this can result in the formation of a tumour (a mass of cells)
Usually, tumours form as a result of loss of control of the cell cycle
Types of Tumour
There are two main types of tumour:
Benign tumours
Malignant tumours
Benign tumours are growths of abnormal cells which are contained in one area, usually within a
membrane
Crucially, benign tumours do not invade other parts of the body
This means these tumours are not considered cancerous
Malignant tumours are cancerous – the cells of these tumours invade neighbouring tissues and spread
to different parts of the body via the blood and lymphatic system where they form secondary tumours
Malignant tumours are more likely to disrupt the functioning of the organ they originate in (as they
invade healthy tissue) and the organs they spread to – this is why they are dangerous and how they
lead to death
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