Question

The sequence of events by which a cell duplicates its genome, synthesize the other constituent of cells and eventually divides itself into two daughter cells is termed as (a) Cytology (b) Cell division (c) Cell cycle (d) Cell biology

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) Cell cycle.

Step-by-step solution

Understand Each Term

Firstly, understand what each term means: Cytology is the study of cells, Cell division is the process where a parent cell divides into two or more cells, the Cell cycle is a series of events that take place in a cell leading to its division and replication, and finally, Cell biology is a branch of biology that studies cells, their physiological properties, their structure, the organelles they contain, interactions with their environment, their life cycle, division, and death.

Match the Definition

Secondly, identify the term that refers to a series of events taking place in a cell leading to its division and replication. This is done by matching the definition given in the problem with the definitions of the terms.

Select the Correct Answer

Finally, after matching definitions, it can be concluded that the correct term is 'Cell cycle', which is option (c).

Key concepts

Cell Division

Cell division is a fundamental process by which organisms grow, heal, and reproduce. It's when a single cell, known as the 'mother cell', divides to create two new 'daughter cells'. There are two primary types of cell division: mitosis and meiosis.

During mitosis, a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It's an essential process for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.

In contrast, meiosis occurs in the production of gametes—sperm and eggs. It involves two rounds of division that result in four non-identical daughter cells, each with half the number of chromosomes of the original cell.

Understanding cell division helps us grasp how complex organisms develop from a single cell and maintain their structure throughout life.

Cytology

Cytology is the branch of biology focused on the study of cells, their structure, function, and importance. Often referred to as 'cell biology', it delves into the complex world of cellular processes including cell division, signaling, and energy production.

Scientific endeavors in cytology involve microscopic examination of cell samples and cover diverse areas including the identification of malignant cells in cancer, understanding genetic disorders, and researching how cells respond to disease.

Advances in cytology have paved the way for breakthroughs in medical treatments and have enhanced our knowledge about the microscopic building blocks of life.

Cell Biology

Cell biology is a vast field that covers the detailed study of cell structure and function. This discipline is the cornerstone of understanding biological processes at the cellular level, including how cells communicate, metabolize and replicate.

Cellular Structures

In cell biology, we learn about various organelles such as the nucleus, mitochondria, ribosomes, and others. Each plays unique roles, for instance, the nucleus houses DNA, and mitochondria produce energy.

Cell Functions

It also explores how cells perform vital functions such as energy conversion, waste removal, and response to external stimuli. The cell membrane communicates with the environment, and enzymes within the cell speed up biochemical reactions vital for life.

Knowledge in cell biology is essential for developments in biotechnology, medicine, and environmental sciences. It helps us comprehend how organisms live, grow, and interact at the most basic level.