Can you explain the process of mitosis?
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3 Answers
Interphase: Before mitosis begins, the cell undergoes a phase called interphase, which can be further divided into three sub-phases: G1 (gap phase 1), S (synthesis phase), and G2 (gap phase 2). During interphase, the cell grows, carries out its normal functions, and duplicates its DNA in the S phase. At the end of interphase, the cell is ready to enter mitosis.
Prophase: The first stage of mitosis is prophase. During this stage, the chromatin (loosely packed DNA) in the nucleus condenses and becomes visible as distinct chromosomes. The nuclear membrane breaks down, and structures called spindle fibers begin to form and extend from opposite poles of the cell.
Prometaphase: In prometaphase, the nuclear membrane completely disintegrates, and the spindle fibers attach to the centromere region of each chromosome. This attachment is crucial for proper alignment and separation of the chromosomes later in mitosis.
Metaphase: During metaphase, the chromosomes align along the equator of the cell, forming a plane called the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers from opposite poles of the cell attach to the centromeres of each chromosome, ensuring they are properly positioned for separation.
Anaphase: In anaphase, the spindle fibers contract, pulling the sister chromatids of each chromosome apart. The separated chromatids, now called daughter chromosomes, move towards opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
Telophase: Telophase marks the final stage of mitosis. The separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell. At this point, a new nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes, effectively dividing the cell into two nuclei.
Cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the process that physically divides the cytoplasm and other cellular components to create two daughter cells. In animal cells, a contractile ring composed of actin filaments constricts the cell membrane, creating a cleavage furrow that deepens until the cell is divided into two. In plant cells, a structure called the cell plate forms in the middle of the cell, eventually developing into a new cell wall that separates the daughter cells.
After cytokinesis, each daughter cell enters its own interphase and continues the cell cycle, either to perform specific functions or to undergo further rounds of division. The result of mitosis is the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.
Prophase: The first stage of mitosis is prophase. During this stage, the chromatin (loosely packed DNA) in the nucleus condenses and becomes visible as distinct chromosomes. The nuclear membrane breaks down, and structures called spindle fibers begin to form and extend from opposite poles of the cell.
Prometaphase: In prometaphase, the nuclear membrane completely disintegrates, and the spindle fibers attach to the centromere region of each chromosome. This attachment is crucial for proper alignment and separation of the chromosomes later in mitosis.
Metaphase: During metaphase, the chromosomes align along the equator of the cell, forming a plane called the metaphase plate. The spindle fibers from opposite poles of the cell attach to the centromeres of each chromosome, ensuring they are properly positioned for separation.
Anaphase: In anaphase, the spindle fibers contract, pulling the sister chromatids of each chromosome apart. The separated chromatids, now called daughter chromosomes, move towards opposite poles of the cell. This ensures that each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.
Telophase: Telophase marks the final stage of mitosis. The separated chromosomes reach opposite poles of the cell. At this point, a new nuclear membrane forms around each set of chromosomes, effectively dividing the cell into two nuclei.
Cytokinesis: Cytokinesis is the process that physically divides the cytoplasm and other cellular components to create two daughter cells. In animal cells, a contractile ring composed of actin filaments constricts the cell membrane, creating a cleavage furrow that deepens until the cell is divided into two. In plant cells, a structure called the cell plate forms in the middle of the cell, eventually developing into a new cell wall that separates the daughter cells.
After cytokinesis, each daughter cell enters its own interphase and continues the cell cycle, either to perform specific functions or to undergo further rounds of division. The result of mitosis is the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the original parent cell.
During mitosis, a cell divides into two identical daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell. The process includes interphase, prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis. Chromosomes condense and align at the equator of the cell, then separate into two nuclei.