Question

How do eukaryotic cells reproduce?

Answer 1

Hint: Due to their increased numbers of chromosomes, organelles and complexity, eukaryotic cellular division is complicated.

Complete answer:
The lifetime of eukaryotic cells is characterized by a cell cycle with two major phases: the interphase and organic process. During the interphase, the cell takes in nutrients, grows, and duplicates its chromosomes. During the cellular division phase, the nucleus divides in an exceedingly process called mitosis and so the divided nuclei are established in separate cells during a process called cytokinesis.

Eukaryotes can reproduce both asexually through mitosis and sexually through meiosis and gamete fusion. In mitosis, one cell divides to supply two genetically identical cells. In meiosis, DNA replication is followed by cellular division to produce four haploid daughter cells. These act as sex cells. Each gamete has only one set of chromosomes, each a novel mixture of the corresponding pair of parental chromosomes resulting from genetic recombination during meiosis.

Reproduction: It is the characteristic feature of eukaryotic cells that it reproduces sexually. But, it may also reproduce asexually. Agamogenesis is usually cited as cellular division and it occurs through mitosis. On the opposite hand, amphimixis occurs through meiosis.

Mitosis: Mitosis may be defined as a process of organic process during which a mother nucleus is split into two identical daughter nuclei. Mitosis occurs whenever more cells are needed. More cells are required for growth and development of newly born organs or to repair damaged parts of organs. In plant cells, mitosis organic processes may be observed in root tips, new leaves, cambial cells of stems, etc. Similarly, in animal cells, it occurs mostly in somatic cells.

Meiosis: Meiosis occurs in the majority eukaryotes of upper level like plants and animals. Meiosis occurs in spermatogonial and oogonial cells in animals. They produce sperms and eggs, respectively. In plants, meiosis occurs in anthers and in ovaries to provide pollen grains and ovules, respectively.

During mitosis replicated chromosomes are positioned near the center of the cytoplasm and so segregated so each cell receives a duplicate of the initial. For this, cells utilize microtubules to pull chromosomes into each cell. The microtubules have the 9+2 arrangement discussed earlier. Animal cells have a centriole. Plants and most other eukaryotic organisms lack centrioles. Cells that contain centrioles even have a series of smaller microtubules, the aster, that reach from the centrioles to the plasma membrane. The aster is believed to function a brace for the functioning of the spindle fibers.


1.Prophase is the first stage of mitosis proper. Chromatin condenses, the nuclear envelope dissolves, centrioles divide and migrate, kinetochores and kinetochore fibers form, and also the spindle forms.
2.Metaphase follows Prophase. The chromosomes migrate to the equator of the spindle, where the spindles attach to the kinetochore fibers.
3.Anaphase begins with the separation of the centromeres, and therefore the pulling of chromosomes to opposite poles of the spindle.
4.Telophase is when the chromosomes reach the poles of their respective spindles, the nuclear envelope reforms, chromosomes uncoil into chromatin form, and also the nucleolus reform. Where there was one cell there are now two smaller cells each with precisely the same genetic information. These cells may then grow to be different adult forms via the processes of development.
5.Cytokinesis can be defined as the process of splitting the daughter cells apart.

Note: The evolution of amphimixis could also be a primordial and fundamental characteristic of eukaryotes. Eukaryotic species once thought to be asexual, like parasitic protozoa of the genus Leishmania, are shown to possess a sexual cycle. Also, evidence now indicates that amoebae, previously thought to be asexual, are anciently sexual which the majority of present-day asexual groups likely arose recently and independently.