Mitosis

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

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What are the main stages of mitosis?

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The main stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What happens during prophase?

Back

During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and the mitotic spindle begins to form.

Front

What occurs during metaphase?

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During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

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What is the significance of anaphase?

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Anaphase is significant because it is the stage where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

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What happens during telophase?

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During telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, decondense back into chromatin, and two new nuclear envelopes form around each set of chromosomes.

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What is cytokinesis?

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Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm of a parental cell divides into two daughter cells.

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How does the rate of mitosis vary among different cell types?

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The rate of mitosis varies among cell types; for example, cells in the lining of the intestine divide rapidly, while nerve cells typically do not undergo mitosis.

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What is the result of repeated mitosis without cytokinesis?

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The result of repeated mitosis without cytokinesis is a cell with multiple nuclei.

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What role do spindle fibers play in mitosis?

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Spindle fibers are crucial for separating chromosomes during mitosis, as they attach to the centromeres and pull sister chromatids apart.