The process by which cellular material is divided between two new cell. (2 words)
http://www.google.com/#q=process+by+which+cellular+material+is+divided+between+two+new+cell.
I'm sure your text explains this. This does, too, but probably in more detail:
http://www.uic.edu/classes/bios/bios100/lecturesf04am/lect16.htm
The process by which cellular material is divided between two new cells is called cell division. More specifically, it refers to a specific type of cell division called "mitosis."
To understand how cell division occurs, let's break down the process step by step:
1. Cell cycle: The cell cycle is a series of stages that a cell undergoes leading up to cell division. It consists of interphase (G1, S, G2) followed by the cell division phase (mitosis and cytokinesis).
2. Interphase: During interphase, the cell grows, carries out normal metabolic activities, and replicates its DNA in the nucleus. Interphase can be further divided into three sub-phases:
- G1 phase: The cell grows in size and carries out its specific functions.
- S phase: DNA replication occurs, resulting in the synthesis of two identical copies of the genetic material.
- G2 phase: The cell continues to grow and prepare for cell division.
3. Mitosis: Mitosis is the process of nuclear division. It consists of four phases:
- Prophase: Chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope dissolves, and spindle fibers start forming.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes line up along the equator of the cell, and spindle fibers attach to the centromere region of each chromosome.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled towards opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibers.
- Telophase: Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles, and a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes.
4. Cytokinesis: It is the final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm is divided, forming two separate cells. In animal cells, a cleavage furrow forms and deepens, ultimately separating the two cells. In plant cells, a cell plate forms, leading to the formation of a new cell wall.
Understanding the process of cell division, specifically mitosis, provides insight into how cellular material is divided and distributed between two new cells.