Cell in Mitosis © The Entangled Bank

Researchers have discovered how sister chromatids stay together during mitosis.

Mitosis is a process that enables organisms to grow and reproduce.

During mitosis the genetic material from a parent cell is divided equally between two cells.

The research team from Oxford University has discovered that a protein ring is responsible for holding sister chromatids together until they are ready to be separated into two new cells.

This discovery is a key step to uncovering the mechanisms by which chromosomes separate during mitosis.

By gaining better insight into this process, future treatments for conditions such as Down's syndrome may be developed.

Learn more about this study, see:

• Puzzle In The Control Of Cell Division Unraveled (Science Daily)

Human Ovum and Sperm © Dennis Kunkel

Individual organisms come and go, but, to a certain extent, organisms transcend time through reproducing offspring.

In sexual reproduction, two individuals produce offspring that have genetic characteristics from both parents.

Sexual reproduction introduces new gene combinations in a population.

Reproduction is not a continuous activity and is subject to certain patterns and cycles. Oftentimes these patterns and cycles may be linked to environmental conditions which allow organisms to reproduce effectively.

Cycles and patterns allow organisms to manage the relative expenditure of energy for reproduction and maximize the chances of survival for the resulting offspring.