What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is the process by which a single eukaryotic cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It underlies growth, tissue repair, and asexual reproduction in many organisms.
Mitosis is nuclear division that produces two daughter cells with the same chromosome number as the parent cell, proceeding through prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.
- 1↓InterphaseCell grows and replicates its DNA (S phase) before division begins.
- 2↓ProphaseChromatin condenses into visible chromosomes; spindle fibers form.
- 3↓MetaphaseChromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plate.
- 4↓AnaphaseSister chromatids are pulled apart to opposite poles.
- 5↓TelophaseNuclear envelopes reform around each set of chromosomes.
- 6CytokinesisThe cytoplasm divides, producing two separate daughter cells.
Try it: interactive calculator
Step-by-step worked examples
A skin cell undergoes 3 rounds of mitosis. How many cells result?
N = 2^n N = 2^3 = 8 cells
A fertilized egg divides mitotically 4 times during early cleavage. How many cells are in the embryo?
N = 2^n N = 2^4 = 16 cells
Starting from one bone marrow stem cell, how many cells exist after 6 mitotic divisions?
N = 2^n N = 2^6 = 64 cells
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.After 3 successive mitotic divisions, how many cells exist?
Q2.During which phase do chromosomes align at the cell's equator?
Q3.What is the chromosome number of mitotic daughter cells relative to the parent?
Q4.What happens during cytokinesis?
The full card deck, worked steps and AI-tutor support for “What is Mitosis?” are in Notek — study by hand before your exam.
Common mistakes
Mitosis and meiosis produce the same type of cells. — Correct: Mitosis makes two identical diploid cells; meiosis makes four genetically distinct haploid gametes.
DNA replicates during mitosis itself. — Correct: DNA replicates earlier, during S phase of interphase, before mitosis begins.
Chromosomes and chromatids are the same thing. — Correct: A chromosome may have two sister chromatids after replication, joined at the centromere until anaphase.
Cytokinesis is part of the nuclear division phases. — Correct: Cytokinesis is a separate step that divides the cytoplasm after telophase.
FAQ
What is mitosis?
Mitosis is the type of cell division that produces two genetically identical diploid daughter cells from one parent cell.
What is the formula for cells produced after mitosis?
N = 2^n, where n is the number of division rounds — one cell doubles every division.
What are examples of mitosis in the body?
Skin regeneration, wound healing, bone marrow producing blood cells, and embryonic cleavage all rely on mitosis.
How is mitosis different from meiosis?
Mitosis makes two identical diploid cells for growth/repair; meiosis makes four genetically varied haploid gametes for reproduction.