
If all of the DNA molecules in a single human cell were unwound from those proteins and placed end-to-end, they would stretch 6 feet. A chromosome packages a single molecule of DNA around proteins in a tight, spool-like fashion. You are correct that chromosomes contain DNA, but the structuring of the DNA into chromosomes is important. Yes, cells that divide via mitosis or meiosis both begin as somatic cells, or cells that are not reproductive cells.

Prophase: Chromosomes, which contain genetic information, condense and prepare to attach to the spindle-a cellular machine that moves chromosomes during cell division.The first five phases divide the nucleus and its genetic information in half, while the final step splits the entire parent cell into two identical daughter cells. Mitosis has six phases apart from interphase. Meiosis occurs only in the production of sperm and egg cells for sexual reproduction.īefore either mitosis or meiosis occurs, cells go through a preparatory process called interphase, where they grow and make a copy of their genetic information. There are also a few types that last a lifetime without dividing, such as some nerve cells and cells that make up the lens of the eye. In contrast, liver cells may wait up to a year to replace themselves. For instance, those that line the stomach replace themselves after just a few days because they’re subjected to strong digestive acids. Most cells in the body regularly go through mitosis, but some do so more often than others.

Mitosis produces two genetically identical “daughter” cells from a single “parent” cell, whereas meiosis produces cells that are genetically unique from the parent and contain only half as much DNA. Mitosis is shown on the left, and meiosis is shown on the right.
