Types of Cell DivisionA cell divides by pinching into two. Each of two daughter cells produced contains genetic material inherited from the original (parent) cell.
Why Divide?
Single-celled organisms divide to reproduce.
Cell division in multicellular organisms enables the organism to grow larger while the cells remain small. A large surface:volume ratio is due to small cell size.
Organisms with many cells can have cells which are specialized for different functions and tasks. For example, red blood cells are specialized for carrying oxygen but neurons (nervous tissue) are specialized for conducting signals from one cell to another.
Some cells of multicellular organisms must divide to produce sex cells (gametes).
Single-celled organisms divide to reproduce.
Cell division in multicellular organisms enables the organism to grow larger while the cells remain small. A large surface:volume ratio is due to small cell size.
Organisms with many cells can have cells which are specialized for different functions and tasks. For example, red blood cells are specialized for carrying oxygen but neurons (nervous tissue) are specialized for conducting signals from one cell to another.
Some cells of multicellular organisms must divide to produce sex cells (gametes).