2. Why do cells divide? Cells divide to create new cells! For example, red blood cells are being produced to replace worn out blood cells at a rate of 10 million to 15 million EACH SECOND!
3. How are these new cells created? Each cell has a life cycle, just like a living organism (e.g. human) Like an organism, cells have different stages of life E.g. You are in a stage called adolescence, where a lot of growth and development occurs Most of the life of a cell is spent in a stage called interphase
4. The Cell Cycle Interphase 3 stages: Cell grows Cell makes a copy of its genetic information Cell grows and prepares for cell division (mitosis)
5. Mitosis Cells divide in two steps: Nucleus of cell divides (mitosis) Cytoplasm divides Mitosis is the process in which the nucleus divides to form TWO identical nuclei Mitosis has 4 stages: Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
