In this unit, you will learn about the process of cell division and after finishing the chapter should be able to describe the three overall stages of the cell cycle. You will develop an understanding of mitosis as a stage within the cell cycle, but do not need to know about the different phases of the mitosis stage. You should be able to state the genetic material in the nucleus is doubled before the cell divides into two.

Along with cell division, we will study cell differentiation, and you should be able to make connections between cell differentiation and the specialised cells and adaptations we studied in Chapter B1 Cell structure and transport.

You will also learn that stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to become a specialised cell within an organism. You need to be able to describe some potential uses of stem cells, as well as the disadvantages and objections to the use of stem cells, particularly in relation to medical treatments.