Mitosis Overview

What is the primary purpose of mitosis in a cell?

During which phase of mitosis do chromatids align in the center of the cell?

Which structure is responsible for pulling chromatids apart during mitosis?

What happens to the nuclear membrane during prophase?

What is the term for the furrow that forms during cytokinesis in animal cells?

In plant cells, what structure helps in dividing the cell during telophase?

What maintains the connection between chromatids in a double-stranded chromosome?

What is the end result of normal mitotic cell division in terms of chromosome number?

Mitosis Overview

Mitosis is the process where a cell separates its chromosomes into two identical sets in two nuclei.
The result is two diploid cells identical to the parent cell.
This process maintains the chromosome number (e.g., 46 chromosomes remain 46 chromosomes).
It produces all cell types except sex cells.

Do Now Question

If a cell is growing, why does it need to divide? (This isn't answered in the provided text)

Phases of Mitosis

Interphase

Chromosomes replicate during this phase

Prophase

Spindle fibers radiate from opposite poles.
Nuclear membrane disappears.

Metaphase

Chromatids move to the central plate (middle).
Chromatids align in the center.

Anaphase

Chromatids separate and are pulled apart.
They move toward the poles.

Telophase

Nuclear membrane reappears, forming two nuclei.
Cytoplasm splits (cytokinesis).
The pinching in is called the cleavage furrow. (Plants use a cell plate instead of a cleavage furrow).

Plant vs. Animal Cells

Animal cells contain centrioles that help form spindle fibers.
Plant cells use a cell plate instead of a cleavage furrow during cytokinesis.

Additional Questions & Answers

A series of diagrams represents mitotic cell division.
If an organism reproduces asexually, its offspring are genetically identical to the parent.
Normal mitotic cell division produces daughter cells with the same number and kinds of chromosomes as the parent cell.
Chromatids of a double-stranded chromosome are held together at the centromere.

This quiz focuses on the stages of mitosis, detailing the process by which a cell divides to create two identical diploid cells. Explore each phase, from interphase through telophase, and understand the significance of cell division in growth and maintenance. Test your knowledge of the key concepts and terms associated with mitosis.