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.

Front

What are the main phases of mitosis?

Back

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

Front

Why is chromosome condensation important during mitosis?

Back

Chromosome condensation is important to facilitate chromosome movement without tangling and breaking.

Front

What occurs 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 happens during metaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is the significance of anaphase in mitosis?

Back

Anaphase is significant because it ensures that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes as each DNA strand is pulled to opposite sides of the cell.

Front

What occurs during telophase?

Back

During telophase, the chromosomes de-condense back into chromatin, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the cell prepares for cytokinesis.

Front

What is cytokinesis?

Back

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

Front

How does cytokinesis differ in plant and animal cells?

Back

In animal cells, cytokinesis occurs through the pinching of the cell membrane, while in plant cells, a cell plate forms to separate the two daughter cells.

Front

What role do spindle fibers play in mitosis?

Back

Spindle fibers help to separate the chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling them apart.