Chromosomal Division

Chromosome division: the process of mitosis

Chromosome division is one of the most important processes in biology. This process allows cells to reproduce and renew themselves, and also plays a key role in the development of organisms. Chromosome division occurs during mitosis, which is the process of cell division where one cell divides into two identical daughter cells.

The process of mitosis consists of several stages: early prophase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase and telophase. The beginning of mitosis, or prophase, is characterized by the disappearance of the cell nucleus, while the chromosomes tend to the center and the centrioles move to both ends. During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible under a microscope, and the nuclear membrane begins to disintegrate.

In metaphase, the centrioles become fixed to give rise to the next stage, anaphase, in which the chromosomes separate. In anaphase, the chromosomes split into two and begin to move to opposite ends of the cell. In telophase, with the appearance of the nuclear membrane at each end, the narrowing and then division of the cytoplasmic membrane along the central zone, the cell is divided into two identical parts.

Each chromosome contains genes that determine the hereditary properties of the organism. There are 23 pairs of chromosomes in the human body, where each pair consists of one chromosome from the mother and one from the father. In mitosis, each daughter cell receives a complete set of chromosomes, so each cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material.

Chromosomal division plays a key role in the development of organisms, starting from the moment of fertilization. When the head of the sperm penetrates the egg, the membrane of the latter undergoes a number of changes to prevent the penetration of other sperm. At this point, the 23 male chromosomes of the sperm combine with the 23 female chromosomes of the egg to form a zygote. The zygote then continues to divide into smaller and smaller cells until a morula is formed, consisting of 32 identical cells.

Chromosomal division also plays an important role in human health. Some chromosomal abnormalities can lead to genetic diseases such as Down syndrome, where an extra copy of chromosome 21 is present in every cell. Also, disturbances in chromosomal division can lead to cancer, since in cancer cells certain genes can be changed or damaged.

In conclusion, chromosomal division is a process that plays a key role in the development of organisms and cell renewal. Mitosis is the process of cell division that allows cells to reproduce and create identical copies of genetic material. Disturbances in chromosomal division can lead to genetic diseases and cancer, so studying this process is of great importance for science and medicine.