Course Genetics 1 (Laboratory Manual) PDF
Introduction
Cells arise only from division of preexisting cells. Cell division (cytokinesis) is preceded by division of the nucleus (karyokinesis). There are two forms of nuclear divisions; mitosis and meiosis. In the present Lab, we will focus on mitosis. Multicellular organisms are able to grow, repair and replace damaged tissues through mitosis. Mitosis is a process during which cells replicate their genetic materials and then divide such that one cell gives rise to two genetically identical daughter cells, each containing identical set of chromosomes to the parent cell. This adds new cells during development and replaces old and worn-out cells throughout your life. It is also a means of asexual reproduction in some organisms.
Mitosis and meiosis are preceded by interphase during which DNA and organelles are duplicated and energy is stored as ATP for use during nuclear division. Interphase is often included in discussions of mitosis, but interphase is technically not part of mitosis, but rather encompasses stages G1, S, and G2 of the cell cycle. The events occurring within the nucleus are usually observed in cells which have been fixed and stained, thus providing a series of ‘snapshosts’ of the stages involved in mitotic cell division. Some stages of mitosis in a dividing cell are shown below.
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| Course Genetics 1 (Laboratory Manual) PDF |