Question

Cell division takes place when the cell (a) Is haploid (b) Becomes diploid (c) Attains optimum growth (d) Any time

Short answer

The correct answer is (c) attains optimum growth.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Cell Division

Cell division is a process where a cell divides into two or more cells. The main purpose of cell division is for growth and repair within an organism. Cell division can happen after the cell has reached its optimum size and needs to divide to continue normal function.

Evaluate the Choices

Look at each of the choices, (a) being haploid, (b) becoming diploid, and (d) any time, none of these situations inherently cause a cell to divide. Being haploid or diploid is a state of the cell's chromosomes, not a trigger for division. As for (d) any time, cell division is a regulated process, it does not just happen anytime.

Find the Correct Answer

The answer is (c) attains optimum growth. When a cell has reached its optimum size and has fully grown, it is an indication that it is ready to divide to continue normal function in the organism.

Key concepts

Optimum Growth

For a cell to maintain health and functionality, it needs to divide at just the right time. This right time is referred to as "optimum growth." In biological terms, optimum growth is when a cell has reached its maximum efficient size. Scientists refer to this point as crucial because the cell can no longer effectively manage its internal processes when it becomes too large.
At this optimal size, the cell's volume and surface area reach a balance that allows the cell to efficiently conduct operations like nutrient absorption and waste elimination. If it grows beyond this point without dividing, these processes become inefficient, leading to potential harm to the cell.

• Efficient nutrient uptake and waste removal.
• Effective response to environmental changes.
• Proper regulation of cell function.

Thus, reaching optimum growth prompts division, ensuring that the organism can continue to grow and repair itself effectively.

Haploid and Diploid States

In the context of cell biology, chromosomes are structures within cells that contain DNA. They are crucial because they carry the genetic information necessary for development and function. Cells can exist in two primary states, depending on the number of chromosome sets they contain: haploid and diploid.
Haploid cells contain one complete set of chromosomes. These are often observed in gametes, such as sperm and eggs in humans. Conversely, diploid cells carry two sets of chromosomes, one from each parent. Most cells in the human body are diploid, which forms the basis for complex organism development.

• Haploid: One set of chromosomes.
• Diploid: Two sets of chromosomes.

While these states are critical in the lifecycle of cells and organisms, they aren't the triggers for cell division. Instead, they define the genetic potential and characteristics of cells.

Cell Function and Regulation

The function and regulation of cells involve intricate systems that control how and when cells divide. This process is regulated through the cell cycle, which is a series of phases that prepare a cell for division. These phases ensure that all cellular components, from DNA to organelles, are accurately replicated and segregated to the daughter cells.
Regulation is crucial to preventing uncontrolled division, which could lead to conditions like cancer. Several checkpoints exist in the cell cycle to monitor the readiness of a cell to progress to the next phase. For instance, proteins called cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) play a pivotal role in moving the cell through different stages of its lifecycle.

• Coordinated progression through the cell cycle phases.
• Checkpoint systems to ensure proper division.
• Preventing uncontrolled cell proliferation.

Regulation mechanisms ensure that cells only divide when appropriate, aligning with the organism's growth and repair needs.