MadSci Network: Cell Biology |
Mitosis is the mechanism eukaryotes use to divide the genome equally during cell division. It is a series of steps involving the replication, alignment, and separation of the DNA in a cell during the cell cycle. During development, all cells have the potential to undergo mitosis. However, following differentiation, some cells lose this capacity. The best examples are neurons, muscle cells, and cells in the lens of the eye. Interestingly, though many other cells of the body have the capacity to undergo mitosis, they do not do so regularly. A few of the most highly proliferative cells are the intestinal epithelium, the hair follicles, and immature hematopoietic cells (immune cells). Most other cells undergo mitosis when triggered by stimuli. For example, liver cells can be regenerated when the liver is damaged.
Try the links in the MadSci Library for more information on Cell Biology.