Daughter cells are called daughter cells because they are the progeny of the original, or "mother," cell.
The term reflects the biological relationship between the newly formed cells and the parent cell from which they originated. Just like a daughter is offspring of their parent, daughter cells are the result of a parent cell dividing. These daughter cells can, in turn, eventually become parent cells themselves, continuing the cycle of cell division.
Key Concepts Explained
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Parent Cell | The original cell that undergoes division. |
| Daughter Cell | The cells that are formed after cell division from the parent cell; they are the progeny of the mother or parent cell, and can eventually become parent cells themselves. (Reference provided) |
In essence, the naming convention is an analogy to familial relationships, making it easier to understand the lineage and origin of cells in biological processes.
