1.2.2 Mitosis and the Cell Cycle

What is the cell cycle?

The cell cycle is a series of steps that a cell undergoes in order to divide.

What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a stage of the cell cycle in which the cell divides to produce two identical cells.

What happens during interphase?

During interphase, the cell grows, organelles increase in number, proteins are synthesised, DNA is replicated forming X-shaped chromosomes, and energy stores are increased.

What happens during mitosis?

During mitosis, the chromosomes line up at the equator of the cell and cell fibres pull each chromosome to opposite sides of the cell.

What happens during cytokinesis?

During cytokinesis, the cytoplasm and cell membranes divide, forming two identical daughter cells.

Why is mitosis important in multicellular organisms?

Mitosis is important for growth, development, and replacing damaged cells.

What type of reproduction uses mitosis?

Mitosis is used in asexual reproduction, which produces offspring identical to the parent cell.