Mitosis

Definition

Mitosis is the process of cell division that results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each containing the same number of chromosomes as the original cell. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. During mitosis, the replicated chromosomes are evenly distributed to ensure that each daughter cell receives an identical set of genetic material, maintaining chromosome number across generations.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Mitosis is divided into several phases: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase, each characterized by specific events in chromosome alignment and separation.
2. During prophase, the chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes, and the nuclear envelope begins to break down.
3. In metaphase, chromosomes line up along the equatorial plane of the cell, ensuring that they are properly aligned for separation.
4. Anaphase involves the pulling apart of sister chromatids toward opposite poles of the cell, ensuring equal distribution to daughter cells.
5. Telophase marks the end of mitosis with the reformation of the nuclear envelope around each set of chromosomes and eventual completion of cytokinesis.

Review Questions

• What are the key phases of mitosis and what occurs during each phase?
  • The key phases of mitosis include prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. In prophase, chromatin condenses into visible chromosomes and the nuclear envelope begins to disintegrate. During metaphase, chromosomes align at the cell's equator. Anaphase follows where sister chromatids are pulled apart towards opposite poles. Finally, telophase concludes mitosis with the reformation of nuclear envelopes around each set of separated chromatids.
• How does mitosis differ from meiosis in terms of function and outcome?
  • Mitosis differs from meiosis primarily in function and outcome. While mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells for growth and repair, meiosis produces four genetically diverse gametes for sexual reproduction. Additionally, meiosis involves two rounds of division and includes processes such as crossing over and independent assortment, which increase genetic variation among offspring.
• Evaluate the role of mitosis in maintaining genetic stability within an organism. How does this process contribute to overall organismal development?
  • Mitosis plays a critical role in maintaining genetic stability by ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical set of chromosomes as the original cell. This precision is essential for organismal development since it supports tissue growth and repair while preventing mutations from propagating through generations. By consistently producing identical cells, mitosis contributes to homeostasis and proper functioning within an organism, allowing it to develop, heal wounds, and replace damaged or dead cells effectively.

Related terms

Chromatid: One half of a duplicated chromosome, which is joined to the other half by a centromere during cell division.

Cytokinesis: The final stage of cell division where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.

Cell Cycle: The series of phases that a cell goes through from its formation to its division, including interphase and mitosis.