Daughter cells

Definition

Daughter cells are the two new cells that result from the division of a single parent cell during processes like mitosis and cytokinesis. These cells are genetically identical to each other and to the original parent cell, maintaining the same chromosome number and genetic information. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Daughter cells have the same diploid or haploid number of chromosomes as the parent cell, ensuring genetic continuity.
2. In multicellular organisms, daughter cells can differentiate into various cell types, contributing to tissue development and repair.
3. During mitosis, the phases include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, leading up to cytokinesis where daughter cells fully separate.
4. In some organisms, daughter cells can undergo further divisions to proliferate or form specialized structures like tissues or organs.
5. The fidelity of DNA replication and distribution during mitosis is critical; errors can lead to mutations or cancer in daughter cells.

Review Questions

• How do daughter cells maintain genetic continuity from the parent cell during mitosis?
  • Daughter cells maintain genetic continuity through a process called DNA replication, which occurs prior to mitosis. During mitosis, each chromosome is duplicated and then evenly divided between the two daughter cells. As a result, both daughter cells receive an identical set of chromosomes that match those of the original parent cell, ensuring that they carry the same genetic information.
• What are the key differences between mitosis and cytokinesis in relation to the formation of daughter cells?
  • Mitosis is primarily concerned with the division of the nucleus and distribution of chromosomes into two sets for each daughter cell, while cytokinesis is the physical separation of the cytoplasm and other organelles into two distinct daughter cells. Mitosis consists of several phases (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase), culminating in two nuclei forming. In contrast, cytokinesis occurs after mitosis and results in the complete separation of the cytoplasmic contents into two individual cells.
• Evaluate how errors in the processes of mitosis and cytokinesis can impact the function of daughter cells and overall organism health.
  • Errors in mitosis or cytokinesis can lead to daughter cells that have abnormal numbers of chromosomes (aneuploidy) or incomplete sets of organelles, which can disrupt normal cellular function. For example, if a daughter cell receives an extra chromosome, it may lead to conditions like Down syndrome or other genetic disorders. Additionally, improper cytokinesis may cause multinucleated cells or dead cells due to incomplete division. These abnormalities can affect tissue health, contribute to cancer progression, and disrupt normal physiological processes within an organism.

Related terms

Mitosis: A type of cell division where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells, ensuring the same number of chromosomes in each new cell.

Cytokinesis: The process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of the parent cell divides, resulting in the physical separation of the daughter cells.

Chromosomes: Structures within cells that contain DNA, which carry genetic information; daughter cells receive an identical set of chromosomes from the parent cell during division.