Mitosis

Front

What is mitosis?

Back

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell.

Front

What are the main stages of mitosis?

Back

The main stages of mitosis are prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Front

What occurs during prophase?

Back

During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, the nuclear envelope breaks down, and spindle fibers begin to form.

Front

What happens during metaphase?

Back

During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane, and spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Front

What is the significance of anaphase?

Back

Anaphase is significant because it is when sister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles of the cell, ensuring each daughter cell will receive an identical set of chromosomes.

Front

Describe telophase.

Back

Telophase is the final stage of mitosis where the chromosomes reach the poles, the nuclear envelope re-forms around each set of chromosomes, and the chromosomes begin to de-condense.

Front

What role do spindle fibers play in mitosis?

Back

Spindle fibers are crucial for separating chromosomes during mitosis; they attach to the centromeres and help pull the sister chromatids apart.

Front

What is cytokinesis and how does it relate to mitosis?

Back

Cytokinesis is the process that follows mitosis, where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Front

How can you identify prophase under a microscope?

Back

Prophase can be identified by the presence of condensed chromosomes and the breakdown of the nuclear envelope.

Front

What visual cues indicate metaphase in a cell?

Back

In metaphase, chromosomes are lined up at the cell's equator, and spindle fibers are attached to their centromeres.