Cell division is how we make new cells to grow, replace old cells, or damaged cells. Cell division is part of the cell cycle. Mitosis and Meiosis are the 2 forms of eukaryotic cell division. Mitosis occurs in all dividing cells while Meiosis occurs only in formation of sex cells (egg, sperm). Since mitosis is the type of cell division that occurs in all but the sex cells, these pages will refer mainly to this form of cell division.
The cell division process is normally tightly regulated, by cell cycle proteins (cyclins), disorders in the process or its regulation can lead to abnormal cells and disease.
During the cell division process there is a reorgainzation of nearly all cell organelles and the cell cytoskeleton.
Interestingly, of the cell organelles, mitochondria appear to undergo there own cycles of division (similar to bacterial division) independent of the cell.
The study guides below should be used in the order Brief -> Detailed -> In Depth depending how much time you have for this topic. Note that the information at each level is not duplicated on the next level, so do not go immediately to In Depth work through each level. External Links may open in a new browser window, close or minimise the new window to see the original Study Guide page.
Start by looking at the key online cell biology textbooks.
These links will give you an introduction to to cell division and some images of the process.
Where in development and the adult system does cell division occur? What are the triggers for cell division? What does a dividing cell look like?
Next- more detailed online resources introduce key steps in cell division.
Includes a link to a complete set of lecture slides on cell division.
What are the signaling pathways for cell division to occur? What cell organelles are involved in cell division? How long does a cell take to divide?
The signaling pathways that regulate the cell cycle.
Includes links to review articles, research articles and laboratories.
What are researchers studying now? What are the ways we can identify cell proliferation? What drugs affect cell division? What happens when cell division is altered?
Search NLM Online Textbooks- "cell division"
cell division, mitosis, meiosis, cell cycle, cyclins, signaling, chromosomes, genome, DNA, DNA replication, cell cytoskeleton, microtubules, mitotic spindle, cytokinesis, cancer
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Many diseases and drug therapies act specifically on either our own cell division, or division of bacteria and viruses. It is a complex process, so start by understanding key steps and components, then look at its regulation. You may need to look at other cell biology concepts to fully understand the process. Use the study guides or links to look for more information.
Please email Dr Mark Hill if you wish to make a comment about this current project.