Mitosis

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process by which a single cell divides to produce two identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original cell.

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

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 spindle apparatus begins to form.

Front

What occurs during metaphase?

Back

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

Front

What is anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is the stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell.

Front

What happens during telophase?

Back

During telophase, the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

Front

How many chromosomes do daughter cells have after mitosis?

Back

Daughter cells have the same number of chromosomes as the original cell; in the case of the fruit fly, 8 chromosomes.

Front

What is the role of the spindle apparatus in mitosis?

Back

The spindle apparatus helps separate the chromosomes during mitosis by attaching to the centromeres and pulling the sister chromatids apart.

Front

What is interphase?

Back

Interphase is the phase of the cell cycle where the cell prepares for mitosis, including DNA replication and growth.

Front

What is the significance of mitosis?

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Mitosis is essential for growth, development, and tissue repair in multicellular organisms.