The process of cell division is a fundamental process that sustains life. Almost all human cells reproduce through mitosis, which creates genetically identical cells (Daily Med Ed, 2015a). Thus, the continuity in several cell generations is maintained, and the working capacity of human tissues is maintained. However, some cells, for example, stem cells, can differentiate into other types of cells. It is possible due to the presence of a genetically determined program for the formation of the cell phenotype. The regulation of these functions occurs at the genetic level, which is characterized by the presence of a massive number of variations. This fact also explains the presence of many different types of cancer. The formation of cancer cells occurs due to a violation in the genetic structure of the cell under the influence of mutations. Since there are hundreds of different types of cells in the human body, there are just as many types of cancer.
Gametes are the reproductive cells of the body and are characterized by several features. They have a single set of chromosomes, and their formation occurs through a particular process, meiosis. One property follows from another, because, unlike mitosis, meiosis is characterized by cell nucleus division with a 2-fold decrease in the number of chromosomes (Daily Med Ed, 2015b). Meiosis consists of two successive divisions, each of which consists of four phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase. During the first division, pairs of homologous chromosomes are formed, which are separated during the second division. Thus, from one diploid cell, four haploid cells are formed. A complete set of chromosomes is restored during the sexual process when two gametes fuse.
In the case of humans, the male gametes are spermatozoon, and the female gametes are the egg cells. Recently, this type of cell has come to be seen by some people as a commodity due to the development of technologies that have made artificial insemination possible. Although the sale and purchase of gametes are associated with ethical concerns about who should be called a parent, I have no objection to that question. Even though I wouldn’t sell my gametes myself, this method allows people who cannot have children on their own to achieve their dreams. Therefore, I do not believe that this topic should be prohibited, only strict control over the circulation of genetic material is needed to comply with medical indications.
References
Daily Med Ed. (2015a). Mitosis made super easy – Animation. YouTube. Web.
Daily Med Ed. (2015b). Meiosis made super easy – Animation. YouTube. Web.