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Mitosis

Mitosis

Have 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:

  • Grow
  • Repair
  • Function smoothly

What is Mitosis?

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:

  • Growth in multicellular organisms
  • Repairing damaged tissues
  • Asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms like yeast

Where Does Mitosis Fit in the Cell Cycle?

Mitosis is part of the M phase of the cell cycle. Before mitosis begins, the cell prepares by:

  • Copying its DNA in the Synthesis (S) phase
  • Doubling its centrosomes (in the second growth or G2 phase)

The 4 Main Phases of Mitosis

Let’s understand what happens in each phase.

1. Prophase

  • Chromosomes condense from thin, thread-like strands — visible X-shaped structures.
  • Each chromosome is made of two sister chromatids joined at a centromere.
  • The nucleolus disappears, signaling that the nucleus is preparing for division.
  • The mitotic spindle begins to form from centrosomes and starts moving to opposite poles of the cell.

2. Metaphase

  • Chromosomes align at the center of the cell, called the metaphase plate.
  • Spindle fibres attach to the kinetochore at each chromosome’s centromere.
  • The spindle checkpoint ensures all chromosomes are correctly attached.

3. Anaphase

  • The glue holding sister chromatids together breaks down.
  • Each chromatid becomes a separate chromosome.
  • Spindle fibres pull chromatids to opposite poles of the cell.
  • The cell elongates as it prepares to split.

4. Telophase

  • Chromosomes reach the poles and begin to uncoil.
  • Two nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes.
  • Spindle fibres disassemble and nucleoli reappear.
  • The cell prepares for cytokinesis.

Box to Remember

  • P-M-A-T → Prophase – Metaphase – Anaphase – Telophase
  • Chromosomes split at the centromere
  • Each chromatid becomes a full chromosome
  • Equal distribution ensures genetic stability

Final Step: Cytokinesis

After mitosis, cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, resulting in two separate cells.

  • In animal cells, a cleavage furrow pinches the cell
  • In plant cells, a cell plate forms to create a new wall

Why is Mitosis Important?

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

Summary Chart of Mitosis

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

Summing Up

Mitosis is how living things grow, heal, and maintain life. It is a highly controlled and accurate process that produces two identical daughter cells.

FAQs

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.

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