BIO 2.3 The Importance of Cell Division

Question 1

Why do cells divide ?

Answer 1

REPRODUCTION

GROWTH
All living organisms grow (fetuses developing organs, children growing into adults)

REPAIR
 If cells are damaged or die, they must be replaced.
 Different cell types are replaced at different rates

Question 2

Sexual v.s Asexual reproduction

Answer 2

SEXUAL
 Genetic information from two cells is combined
 Generally involves two
specialized sex cells (gametes) to form a zygote.
 Shows more diversity

ASEXUAL
 A single organism gives rise to offspring with identical genetic information.
 Less genetic diversity (clones produced)

Question 3

Diffusion v.s Osmosis

Answer 3

DIFFUSION
The transport mechanism for moving chemicals into and out of the cell, from an area of higher concentration to an area of lower concentration.

OSMOSIS
Movement of fluid (water), across a membrane to an area of high
solute concentration.

Question 4

What problems occur if a cell gets too large ?

Answer 4

When a cell gets too large, chemicals and water cannot move through it fast enough.

 The cell needs more energy, the nucleus directs the production of a new mitochondria, but you can only have one nucleus.

 If the cell becomes too large, all of the cellular processes necessary for the cell to function efficiently becomes too much for the nucleus to handle.