Author(s)

Ronald L. Huston

Professor Emeritus, Mechanical and Materials Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA.

This paper provides summary description of the procedures by which human and animal cells (eucaryotic cells) divide into two identical parts. The focus is on the nucleus, with particular attention given to the centrosome and the chromosome. Within the centrosome is a pair of organelle known as centriole. When the cell is about to divide, the centrioles duplicate themselves. At the same time, the DNA within the chromosome duplicates itself. The centriole pair, now two pairs, then separate with one pair migrating about the nucleus to the diametrically opposite side. The original and migrated centriole then emit long strands known as microtubules across the nucleus. Similarly, the chromosome emits long strands known as kinetochores. The microtubules and the kinetochores are perpendicular to each other and they cover the nucleus with a checkered appearance. The diametrically opposed centriole then forms centrosomes which pull the nucleus apart. The two nuclear parts then separate with each part taking with its half of the remainder of the cell (the cytoplasm) and thus two virtually identical cells are attained. The significance of this paper is that it provides the reader with a condensed summary of the life-dependent process known as cell division.

Cell Division, Nucleus, Centrosome, Chromosome

Huston, R. (2019) A New Exposition on Cell Division. Advances in Bioscience and Biotechnology, 10, 218-225. doi: 10.4236/abb.2019.108016.