Black Sea Scientific Journal Of Academic Research

VARIOUS STAGES AND TYPES OF CELL DIVISION IN UNICELLULAR AND MULTICELLULAR ORGANISMS

Rupa Deol^* Department of Science, University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia
^*Correspondence: Rupa Deol, Department of Science, University of Indonesia, Depok, Indonesia, Email:

Received: Dec 08, 2023, Manuscript No. BSSJAR-23-122405; Editor assigned: Dec 11, 2023, Pre QC No. BSSJAR-23-122405 (PQ); Reviewed: Dec 26, 2023, QC No. BSSJAR-23-122405; Revised: Jan 02, 2024, Manuscript No. BSSJAR-23-122405 (R); Published: Jan 09, 2024, DOI: 10.36962/GBSSJAR/60.4.006

About the Study

The cell cycle is a series of events that governs the growth, development, and reproduction of living cells. While the classical eukaryotic cell cycle is often depicted as a linear progression through distinct phases, recent research has revealed an array of variations and adaptations in different organisms and cell types. This article explores the diverse forms of the cell cycle, on the variations that contribute to the complexity of cellular life.

Standard eukaryotic cell cycle

The conventional eukaryotic cell cycle, exemplified in organisms ranging from yeast to humans, consists of four main phases: G1 (Gap 1), S (Synthesis), G2 (Gap 2), and M (Mitosis). The cycle begins with the G1 phase, during which the cell grows and carries out its normal functions. The S phase follows, marked by DNA synthesis, where the genetic material is duplicated. G2 phase involves further growth and preparation for mitosis, the phase where the cell divides into two daughter cells, each containing a complete set of chromosomes. This canonical cell cycle is governed by a set of regulatory proteins, including cyclins and Cyclin-Dependent Kinases (CDKs), which ensure the orderly progression through the phases. The cell cycle checkpoints, such as the G1 checkpoint and the G2/M checkpoint, play crucial roles in monitoring DNA integrity and ensuring accurate cell division.

Asymmetric cell division

In certain cell types and developmental contexts, cells undergo asymmetric division, a variation of the cell cycle that results in daughter cells with distinct fates. This process is crucial for embryonic development, tissue regeneration and the maintenance of stem cell populations. During asymmetric cell division, one daughter cell retains its stem cell identity, while the other undergoes differentiation into a specialized cell type. This phenomenon is exemplified in neurogenesis, where neural stem cells divide asymmetrically to generate neurons and glial cells. The regulation of asymmetric cell division involves complex signaling pathways and localized distribution of cell fate determinants.

Endoreduplication

Endoreduplication is a peculiar deviation from the standard cell cycle wherein cells undergo additional rounds of DNA replication without subsequent cell division. This results in cells with elevated ploidy levels, containing multiple copies of the genome within a single, enlarged cell. Endoreduplication is commonly observed in certain plant tissues, such as trichomes and endosperm cells. In these instances, endoreduplication contributes to increased cell size, metabolic activity, and the synthesis of specialized compounds. The regulatory mechanisms governing endoreduplication involve alterations in the expression of cell cycle regulators and checkpoint proteins.

Cell cycle arrest and quiescence

In response to environmental cues, stress, or developmental signals, cells may temporarily exit the cell cycle and enter a state of arrest or quiescence. This represents a reversible suspension of cell cycle progression, allowing cells to adapt to changing conditions before re-entering the cycle. Cell cycle arrest is often regulated by proteins like cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (CKIs) that inhibit CDK activity, halting the progression through specific phases. Quiescent cells, often referred to as G0 phase cells, can re-enter the cell cycle when prompted by external signals, demonstrating the dynamic nature of cell cycle regulation.

Polyploidy

Polyploidy, characterized by cells possessing more than two complete sets of chromosomes, is another intriguing variation of the cell cycle. While it is often associated with abnormal cellular conditions, such as cancer, polyploidy is a naturally occurring phenomenon in certain tissues and organisms. In plants, for example, many species exhibit polyploidy as a normal part of their life cycle. Polyploid cells can arise through errors in mitosis or meiosis, and they contribute to increased genetic diversity and adaptability in these populations. In some animals, liver cells may undergo polyploidization, enhancing their metabolic capacity and resilience.

Cell cycle in unicellular organisms

Unicellular organisms, such as bacteria and yeast, also exhibit variations in their cell cycle regulation. Unlike the well-defined phases of the eukaryotic cell cycle, the cell cycle in unicellular organisms can be more rapid and less structured. Bacterial cell division, for instance, involves binary fission, a process where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This process lacks the complexity of eukaryotic mitosis and involves the replication of the bacterial chromosome followed by the division of the cell.