Distribution of Cytoplasmic Content

A cell’s cytoplasm contains many different organelles. Each organelle differs in its structure, function, and copy number; therefore, a cell has to use distinct strategies to separate each organelle type properly into its daughter cells.

The nuclear envelope and endoplasmic reticulum are directly connected, and therefore their distribution to daughter cells is coupled.

In prophase, the nuclear envelope and associated proteins merge with the endoplasmic reticulum.  The sheet-like endoplasmic reticulum transforms into a tubular structure and reorganizes itself near the cell cortex during metaphase.

After chromosome segregation, the endoplasmic reticulum encircles sister chromatids and reforms the nuclear envelope.

In mitosis, mitochondria undergo fission to produce fragmented mitochondria that spread throughout the cell.

During cell division, these fragmented mitochondria are believed to be distributed to the daughter cells through a stochastic or random process and then undergo fusion to regain their shape and size.

A single copy of the Golgi body is present in the cell, and its equal distribution is vital for cell survival. The Golgi body disassembles stepwise before segregating into the daughter cells.

The Golgi ribbon containing stacked cisternae breaks down into multiple mini stacks, which are then further disassembled into vesicles.

In anaphase, the Golgi vesicles undergo fusion to form cisternae, which then get restacked. Then, small and large-sized twin Golgis form near the midbody and the centrosome, respectively, in telophase.

Finally, during cytokinesis, the smaller twin Golgi bodies merge with the larger ones to form the single Golgi body in each daughter cell.

Symmetrical division occurs in most cells where a cell produces two identical daughter cells with the same fate.

In some cells, asymmetrical division occurs where there is an unequal inheritance of cell fate determinants, resulting in the production of non-identical daughter cells.

For example, stem cells can undergo asymmetric cell division to produce one daughter cell that behaves like the parent stem cell, while the other daughter cell can follow a different cell lineage.