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1800-102-2727Have you ever wondered how a tiny fertilized egg turns into a full human body with billions of cells? Or how does your skin heal after a cut? The answer lies in mitosis. It is a type of cell division that makes sure that our bodies:
Mitosis is the process where one cell divides to form two identical daughter cells. Each new cell has the same number of chromosomes as the original (mother) cell.
This process is important for:
Mitosis is part of the M phase of the cell cycle. Before mitosis begins, the cell prepares by:
Let’s understand what happens in each phase.
After mitosis, cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.
| Function | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Growth | Adds more cells to tissues and organs |
| Repair | Replaces old or damaged cells |
| Asexual Reproduction | Forms new individuals in single-celled organisms |
| Genetic Stability | Ensures each cell gets the same DNA |
| Phase | Key Events |
|---|---|
| Prophase | Chromosomes condense and spindle forms |
| Metaphase | Chromosomes line up at the center |
| Anaphase | Chromatids move to opposite poles |
| Telophase | Two nuclei form, chromosomes decondense |
| Cytokinesis | Cell splits into two identical daughter cells |
Mitosis is how living things grow, heal, and maintain life. It is a highly controlled and accurate process that produces two identical daughter cells.
Q1. Is mitosis the same in plant and animal cells?
Mitosis is similar in both, but cytokinesis differs. Animal cells form a cleavage furrow, while plant cells form a cell plate.
Q2. What happens if mitosis goes wrong?
Incorrect mitosis can lead to cells with abnormal chromosome numbers, causing:
Cell death or malfunction
Genetic disorders such as cancer
Q3. How is mitosis different from meiosis?
Mitosis produces two identical cells for growth and repair. Meiosis produces four genetically different cells for sexual reproduction.