Mitosis: The Amazing Cell Process that Uses Division to Multiply! (Updated)

Mitosis

A type of cell division done by most body cells, crucial for growth and repair.

Interphase

The phase in the cell cycle where cells spend most of their time growing, replicating DNA, and carrying out daily functions.

Chromosomes

Condensed units of DNA and protein that hold genetic information; humans typically have 46 chromosomes.

Cytokinesis

The process that completes cell division by splitting the cytoplasm into two separate cells.

Cancer

Uncontrolled cell growth, resulting from uncontrolled mitosis.

Sister chromatids

The duplicated chromosomes that are still attached at the centromere during cell division.

PMAT

An acronym to remember the stages of mitosis: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase.

Prophase

The first stage of mitosis where chromosomes condense and the nucleus begins to disassemble.

Metaphase

The stage of mitosis where chromosomes align in the middle of the cell.

Anaphase

The stage of mitosis where sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite ends of the cell.

Telophase

The final stage of mitosis where new nuclei form around the separated chromosomes.