CELL DIVISION

All life has one thing in common: it begins with a cell. Everything consists of cells that replicate independently, form tissues, differentiate these, then develop into organs, and finally shape themselves into complex living beings. When a cell multiplies, a sphere of twelve identical cells is created, in the middle of which the original cell fits. Its mother cell fits into its center as the 13th identical nucleus. This cannot be represented linearly and must be symbolized. The symbol contains twice 6 elements whose shape shows this spherical arrangement around a radiating center. The center is surrounded by eight rays that permeate space and the environment like an infinity framed by bird wings and refer to the single size of the universe. What is decisive for our question is that, when the cell has to be replicated, there are a large number of internal processes and structures that have to be prepared for this so-called division. It’s like moving house. Before you order the removal van, you have to organize and pack, and the new cell must be created without affecting or weakening its parent cell.


During cell division, the cell prepares by growing, replicating DNA, and repairing any damage. Proper chromosome alignment and separation are critical to ensure accurate genetic distribution; errors in these steps can cause genetic instability, contributing to aging. Telomere shortening, a natural consequence of repeated cell divisions, limits the cell’s ability to divide over time, leading to cellular senescence—a state where cells cease dividing but can still negatively affect surrounding tissues. Accumulation of DNA damage and epigenetic changes during cell division can disrupt gene expression and cellular function, further accelerating aging. These processes collectively determine how effectively our bodies can repair and regenerate


THE CYCLE OF CELL DIVISION STEP BY STEP

1 INTERPHASE (S = Synthesis) DNA synthesis: It begins with interphase, where the cell prepares for division.

2 G1 GROWTH: In the G1 phase (Gap 1), the cell grows, produces organelles, and synthesizes proteins necessary for DNA replication, a critical time for assessing DNA integrity. If DNA damage occurs at this stage and remains uncorrected, it can lead to mutations that accumulate, disrupt cellular function, and contribute to aging. The S phase follows, during which DNA is replicated, resulting in two identical copies of each chromosome (sister chromatids), ensuring that each daughter cell receives an exact genetic copy. Errors in DNA replication during this phase can cause genetic instability, accelerating aging and increasing the risk of cancer. Proper replication and DNA repair mechanisms during this phase are vital for longevity.

3 G2 GROWTH AND PREPARATION FOR MITOSIS (Gap 2) is the final preparation before mitosis, where the cell continues to grow and checks the newly replicated DNA for errors, repairing any damage. Inefficient DNA repair during G2 can lead to the accumulation of damaged DNA, driving cellular aging and increasing the risk of age-related diseases.

4 MITOSIS, the division of the cell nucleus, begins with prophase, where chromosomes condense and become visible, the nuclear membrane breaks down, and spindle fibers start to form. Proper chromosome condensation and alignment are crucial at this stage to prevent chromosomal abnormalities that contribute to aging and disease. Next, in metaphase, chromosomes align at the metaphase plate in the center of the cell, and spindle fibers attach to their centromeres. Correct alignment ensures accurate chromosome distribution, and misalignment can cause aneuploidy (abnormal numbers of chromosomes), leading to cellular dysfunction associated with aging. Anaphase follows, during which sister chromatids are pulled apart by spindle fibers toward opposite poles, ensuring each new cell receives a complete set of chromosomes. Errors in this step can result in the unequal distribution of genetic material, contributing to genetic instability and cellular aging. In telophase, the separated chromatids reach the poles, and new nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes, creating two distinct nuclei. Proper nuclear reformation is essential to maintain genomic integrity, and failures in this step can lead to persistent DNA damage signals, promoting cellular senescence.

5 CYTOKINESIS is the division of the cell cytoplasm, where the cell membrane pinches in, dividing the cytoplasm into two daughter cells, each with a complete nucleus and set of organelles. Proper cytokinesis ensures that each daughter cell is functional and viable; defects can result in incomplete cells, contributing to tissue dysfunction. Each of these steps in cell division plays a critical role in the aging process, as errors at any stage can lead to cellular senescence, genetic instability, and the decline of tissue regenerative capacity.

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