Mitosis
By Bryanna Carrara
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is the part of the cell cycle, in which the chromosomes in the nucleus of the cell are separated into two pieces, each with their own nucleus.
Stages of Mitosis
Interphase (First Stage)
Chromosomes duplicate, and the copies remain attached.
Prophase (Second Stage)
In the nucleus, chromosomes condense and become visible, in the cytoplasm, the spindle forms.
Prometaph-ase (Third Stage)
The nuclear membrane breaks apart, and the spindle starts to interact with the chromosomes.
Metaphase (Fourth Stage)
The copied chromosomes align in the middle of the spindle.
Anaphase (Fifth Stage)
Chromosomes separate into two genetically identical groups and move to opposite ends of the spindle.
Telophase (Sixth Stage)
Nuclear membranes form around each of the two sets of chromosomes. The chromosomes begin to spread out, and the spindle begins to break down.
Cytokinesis (Last stage)
The cell spits into two daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent.
Why is Mitosis Important?
Mitosis is important for many reasons:
1.) It allows another organisms to grow
2.) It repairs damaged cells/tissue
3.) It replaces dead cells/tissue
4.) It causes reproduction in some simple organisms