Introduction

The cell cycle and cell division are central topics in NEET Biology. They explain how cells grow, replicate DNA, and divide to form new cells. These processes are essential for growth, repair, reproduction, and genetic variation.

NEET frequently tests stages of the cell cycle, differences between mitosis and meiosis, and formulas related to chromosome numbers.

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1. Cell Cycle

Definition:

• The cell cycle is the series of events that a cell undergoes from its formation to its division into daughter cells.

Phases of Cell Cycle:

a. Interphase (Preparation Phase)

• Cell is metabolically active, grows, and prepares for division

• Sub-phases:

  1. G1 Phase: Cell growth, protein synthesis

  2. S Phase: DNA replication (chromosomes duplicate)

  3. G2 Phase: Preparation for mitosis, organelle duplication

b. M Phase (Mitotic Phase)

• Actual division of the nucleus (mitosis) and cytoplasm (cytokinesis)

c. G0 Phase (Quiescent Phase)

• Non-dividing, metabolically active cells (e.g., neurons)

NEET Tips:

• Interphase is the longest phase (~90% of cell cycle)

• S phase → DNA replication → critical for NEET questions

2. Mitosis

Definition:

• Mitosis is equational division producing two genetically identical daughter cells with the same chromosome number as parent cell.

Phases of Mitosis:

a. Prophase

• Chromosomes condense and become visible

• Nuclear membrane disappears

• Spindle fibers form

b. Metaphase

• Chromosomes align at the metaphase plate (equatorial plane)

c. Anaphase

• Sister chromatids separate → move toward opposite poles

d. Telophase

• Chromatids reach poles

• Nuclear membrane reforms

• Chromosomes de-condense

e. Cytokinesis

• Division of cytoplasm → two daughter cells

NEET Formula:

• 2n → Mitosis → 2 daughter cells, each 2n

Key Points for NEET:

• Mitosis occurs in somatic cells

• Function: Growth, repair, asexual reproduction

3. Meiosis

Definition:

• Meiosis is reductional division producing four genetically distinct gametes with half the chromosome number.

Phases of Meiosis:

a. Meiosis I (Reductional Division)

1. Prophase I: Chromosomes condense, crossing over occurs, synapsis forms tetrads

2. Metaphase I: Homologous chromosomes align at metaphase plate

3. Anaphase I: Homologous chromosomes separate

4. Telophase I & Cytokinesis: Two haploid cells formed (n)

b. Meiosis II (Equational Division)

• Resembles mitosis

• Sister chromatids separate → 4 haploid daughter cells

NEET Formula:

• 2n → Meiosis → 4 daughter cells, each n

Key Points for NEET:

• Occurs in gamete-forming cells

• Function: Sexual reproduction, genetic variation

• Crossing over → genetic recombination → important NEET MCQs

4. Differences Between Mitosis and Meiosis

NEET Tip:

• Always remember mitosis = identical, meiosis = genetic variation

5. Important Formulas in Cell Division

1. Mitosis:

   • Parent cell 2n → 2 daughter cells 2n each

2. Meiosis:

   • Parent cell 2n → Meiosis I → 2 cells n each → Meiosis II → 4 cells n each

3. Chromosome Number Formula:

   • Diploid (2n) → Mitosis → 2n

   • Diploid (2n) → Meiosis → n

4. Number of chromatids:

   • Before division → 2 × number of chromosomes (2n)

   • After mitosis → Chromatids separate, same number as chromosomes

NEET Tips:

• Use 2n and n formulas for solving numerical problems on chromosomes in gametes or somatic cells.

6. Cell Division in Prokaryotes

• Prokaryotic cells divide by binary fission (simple asexual reproduction)

• Steps: DNA replication → elongation → septum formation → two daughter cells

• NEET Tip: Binary fission is simpler than mitosis

7. Significance of Cell Cycle and Cell Division

• Growth and development: Increase in cell number

• Repair and regeneration: Replace damaged cells

• Asexual reproduction: Mitosis in unicellular and some multicellular organisms

• Sexual reproduction: Meiosis produces gametes

• Genetic variation: Crossing over in meiosis

8. NEET Exam Tips

• Memorize phases of interphase and mitosis/meiosis with functions

• Draw diagrams of mitotic and meiotic cells

• Use formulas for chromosome number to solve problems

• Focus on crossing over, reduction division, and equational division

Mnemonic for Mitosis Phases:
“Please Make All Tasks Complete” → Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase, Cytokinesis

Conclusion

Understanding the cell cycle and cell division is crucial for NEET Biology. Mastery of mitosis, meiosis, interphase, and chromosome formulas is essential for scoring in MCQs and diagram-based questions.

With this StudentBro.in guide, students can efficiently revise cell division formulas, phases, and differences, enhancing speed and accuracy during NEET exams.

Remember: Linking phase → process → chromosome number → function is the key to mastering Cell Cycle and Cell Division for NEET.