Cell Process and Cell Division
Notes
Why is cell division important?
1.
2.
3.
4.
growth
replace worn out cell parts
repair/healing
It is how single-celled organisms reproduce
Steps of Cell Division
1.) Interphase- cell grows to mature size
 Cell grows to mature size
 DNA is copied
 Cell prepares to divide
 This phase takes the longest
2A.) Mitosis- Prophase
 Chromosomes become visible (X)
 Nuclear membrane breaks down
 DNA condenses to form chromosomes
2B.) Mitosis- Metaphase
 Chromosomes line up in the middle of the cell
 Chromosomes attach to spindle fibers
2C.) Mitosis- Anaphase
 The chromosome splits & the chromatids move to the opposite
end of the cell
o Chromatids move “away” from each other
2D.) Mitosis- Telophase
 2 new IDENTICAL nuclei are formed
 cytoplasm pinches in the middle to form a waist
3.) Cytokinesis
 cell completely splits & 2 new IDENTICAL cells are formed
o “Cytokinesis = complete”
~~This sentence can help you remember the 6 steps in order~~
(IPMATC)- “I Put My Arm Through Clothes.”
HINTS TO HELP YOU REMEMBER WHAT IS HAPPENING IN
EACH PHASE OF MITOSIS
Prophase- nucleus breaks down & looks like its in pieces; P for
pieces & P for prophase
Metaphase- chromosomes line up in middle of cell; M for Metaphase
& M for Middle
Anaphase- chromosome splits & move Away from each other, to
opposite ends of cell; A for Anaphase & A for Away
 Also, prefix “A” often refers to opposites
Telophase- nuclei reform & cytoplasm pinches in; this phase looks
like a telephone (Telophase – Telephone)