Mitosis
• Cell Cycle
Period of time from one division to the next
Cell Cycle
Unicellular division results in formation
of new individuals of the species
Multicellular division results in replacement
of old or damaged cells
Mitosis
Process by which the nucleus divides while
maintaining number of chromosomes
Cytokinesis Division of the cytoplasm
Asexual
Reproduction
Reproduction that only involves one parent
so therefore no special reproductive organs
are needed
Chromatin
Nuclear DNA wound around proteins known
as histones
Chromosomes
Condensed rolls of chromatin that are able
to be seen during mitosis (rod-like structures)
There are 5 phases in MITOSIS
Interphase
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
Interphase
Known as “resting phase”
•Cells grow in size by producing more nucleic acids, proteins,
and cellular organelles
•Chromosomes make copies of themselves, but they can’t be
•seen
•Nucleus of the cell is contained within the nuclear envelope
•Centrioles are present and duplicate themselves
Prophase
•Double chromosomes become visible - Chromatid
•Chromosomes are 2 sister chromatids connected by a centromere
Sister
Chromatids
Centromere
•At the beginning, centrioles move to opposite poles
•Aster (star shaped fibers) extend = microtubules
•Spindle fibers attach (to centromere to pull away chromatids to
opposite sides of the cell)
•By the end, the nuclear envelope and nucleus have
disappeared
DON’T DRAW
EARLY
LATE
Metaphase
•Centromeres line up on the equator (middle= metaphase plate)
•By the end, the centromeres divide and pull the daughter
chromosomes to opposite sides of the cell
•Half of each chromosome goes to the opposite side of the cell
Anaphase
•Daughter chromosomes move to opposite sides of cell
(poles)
•Movement is accomplished by the microtubules
•Movement occurs by shortening of the microtubules
Telophase
•Chromosomes uncoil and return to previous shape (threadlike)
•Nuclear membrane and nuclei reform
NOTE: Cytokinesis begins during late anaphase and finishes
during telophase
She had it
coming!!
An easy way to remember the
order of the phases in mitosis
is to think:
I PUNCHED MY
AUNT TILLY!!
Same as mitosis in animals except:
• Plants have no centrioles – spindle fibers take their place
• Asters do not form
• Cell wall does not pinch because it is too rigid
• Cell plate divides the cell into two