Science
Mitosis.
Definition
Mitosis is a type of cell division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells from a single parent cell. It is used for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in eukaryotic organisms. The process includes prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, followed by cytokinesis.
How it works · 5 phases
Step by step.
- During prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear envelope breaks down.
- In metaphase, chromosomes align along the cell's equator (metaphase plate).
- During anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles.
- In telophase, nuclear envelopes re-form around each set of chromosomes.
- Cytokinesis divides the cytoplasm, producing two identical daughter cells.
Examples
Real-world.
- 1 Skin cells dividing to heal a wound
- 2 A growing embryo rapidly undergoing mitotic divisions
- 3 Root tip cells dividing to elongate a plant root
Key Fact
Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical diploid (2n) daughter cells.