Cell Division

Table of Contents

• Postulates of Cell Theory
• Division of Cell
• Summary
• What’s Next?

In the previous segment, we learnt about Reproduction and its types. In this segment, we will learn about Cell division.

What are the two main postulates of cell theory?

The two main postulates of cell theory are:

1. The cell is the fundamental unit of life.
2. All the cells come from pre-existing cells.

How does a cell divide?

• • The cell which has to divide needs to make a few arrangements before it divides.
  • The cell makes a copy of the genetic material, that is, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), which is the genetic material in most organisms. As this is a biochemical process, there are chances of a few variations in the genetic material.
  • Once the DNA replication is complete then the cytoplasmic mass of the cell increases. After this, the parent cell divides to give rise to a new cell.

Summary

Postulates of Cell Theory	The cell is the fundamental unit of life. All the cells come from pre-existing cells.
Division of Cell	The parent cell divides to give rise to a new cell.

What’s next?

In the next segment of Class 10 Science, we will learn about Variation and natural selection.