The Cell Cycle

What is mitosis?

nuclear division that gives rise to (produces) two genetically identical diploid daughter cells; In a human, this diploid number is 23 pairs of chromosomes

What is mitosis required for?

Growth - mitosis produces new cells

Repair - to replace damaged or dead cells

Asexual reproduction - mitosis produces offspring that are genetically identical to the parent

What is stage 1 of the cell cycle?

Interphase - Just before mitosis, the DNA in the nucleus copies itself exactly (forms x-shaped chromosomes). The cell also grows and prepares for division

What is stage 2 of the cell cycle?

Mitosis - Chromosomes line up along the centre of the cell where cell fibres pull them apart, new nuclear membranes form around each set

What is stage 3 of the cell cycle?

Cytokinesis - The cell cytoplasm and membrane divides to produce two daughter cells; each new cell has a copy of each of the chromosomes

What are the stages of mitosis?

Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase

What is prophase?

The DNA condenses into visible chromosomes, each made of two sister chromatids. The nuclear membrane breaks down, and spindle fibres start to form

What is metaphase?

Chromosomes line up on the equator (centre) of the cell, attached to spindle fibres

What is anaphase?

The sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell by spindle fibres

What is telophase and cytokinesis?

Cytoplasm and membranes divide, forming two genetically identical daughter cells, each with a full set of chromosomes