State that new cells are produced by division of existing cells

New cells are produced by the division of existing cells, a fundamental process known as cell division. This principle is a cornerstone of biological life and underlies growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms, as well as reproduction in unicellular organisms.

Key Points about Cell Division

1. Types of Cell Division:
   • Mitosis: This process occurs in somatic (body) cells and results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. Mitosis is essential for growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in some organisms.
   • Meiosis: This type of cell division occurs in germ cells to produce gametes (sperm and eggs) for sexual reproduction. Meiosis results in four genetically diverse daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the parent cell.
2. Cell Cycle:
   • The life cycle of a cell is divided into phases: interphase (where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA) and the mitotic phase (where the cell divides). The regulation of this cycle is crucial for maintaining healthy growth and preventing issues such as cancer.
3. Importance of Cell Division:
   • Cell division is vital for growth and development in multicellular organisms, allowing them to increase in size and replace damaged or dead cells.
   • In unicellular organisms, such as bacteria, cell division is the primary means of reproduction, enabling population growth.