Understanding Mitosis
Mitosis occurs in our body cells (somatic cells) and creates two daughter cells identical to the original. The process is divided into four main phases that follow a specific sequence: Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, and Telophase (PMAT).
Before mitosis begins, cells go through Interphase - the longest part of the cell cycle where the cell grows and duplicates its DNA. During Prophase, chromosomes become visible, the nuclear membrane disappears, and centrioles separate to opposite sides of the cell. Metaphase is when chromosomes line up across the center of the cell with spindle fibers connecting to them.
In Anaphase, sister chromatids separate and move to opposite poles of the cell. Finally, during Telophase, new nuclear membranes form around each set of chromosomes. Cytokinesis (the division of the cytoplasm) completes the process, creating two separate cells.
Did you know? In animal cells, cytokinesis happens through a process called cleavage (pinching in the middle), while plant cells form a cell plate that eventually becomes the new cell wall.