Mitosis produces 2 genetically identical daughter cells.

Reasons for Mitosis:

To increase cell numbers (cells, tissues, organs, organisms)

For cell differentiation and specialisation

For greater metabolic efficiency of cells (SA:vol)

For repair of tissue and damaged cells

Asexual reproduction including Binary fission (prokaryotes)

Gamete formation (spore formation)

Controls cell division with check points in the cell cycle. Loss of control of
mitosis causes tumour formation.

Interphase
a) Longest part of the cell cycle
b) The chromosomes are barely visible, dispersed chromatin, which is
actively involved in protein synthesis.
c) Interphase has G1 (first growth phase, synthesis of new organelles); S
(synthesis of DNA); and G2 (2nd growth phase, more organelles)
Interphase is an active period in the life of a cell when many biochemical
processes occur:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

DNA replication
DNA transcription
Protein synthesis
Cell respiration
Cytoplasm increase
Cell growth
New organelles synthesized eg
mitochnodria

MITOSIS:
This is the division of the nucleus. It occurs in a sequence of four stages:
Prophase
the chromatin continue to condense to form densely staining double stranded structures called
chromosomes.
Each metaphase chromosome consists of two identical chromatids attached at a point called a
centromere.
The nucleolus disappears; start of breakdown of the nuclear membrane.
Metaphase Nuclear membrane breaks down
the centromeres of the metaphase chromosomes become attached to the spindle microtubules,
which extend from each pole of the cell.
The chromosomes are aligned in a linear manner at the equator of the cell.
Anaphase
the centromeres divide
the two identical sister chromatids separate.
The chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles of the cell by the spindle fibres.
Telophase
chromosomes move to the two poles of the cell and start to uncoil.
Nucleoli reform, the spindle fibres breakdown and nuclear membranes form around the two, new
nuclei.

Cytokinesis

Plasma membrane pinches inwards (invagination)

Division of cytoplasm which splits into 2 portions
Even distribution of organelles within cell.
Invagination of the plasma membrane at the
equator to pinch inwards until the cell is physically
divided into 2 identical daughter cells.

How mitosis produces two identical nuclei:

DNA replicates during INTERPHASE

Chromosomes coil and condense during PROPHASE showing each chromosome

consisting of TWO IDENTICAL SISTER CHROMATIDS joined by a centromere

Nuclear membrane breaks down during METAPHASE and the chromosomes align at the
equator; spindle fibres attached to centromeres

Centromere divide and sister chromatids separate during ANAPHASE

The chromosomes are pulled to opposite poles; each pole taking one identical copy of
each chromosome

Nuclear membrane reform during TELOPHASE to give two genetically identical nuclei.

CYTOKINESIS follows to produce to genetically identical daughter cells.

Quantity of DNA

Replication of
chromosomes

Change in cell volume and quantity of DNA during a cell cycle

Volume of cell

G1

New Organelles
and proteins
made

G2

Mitosis

Interphase

Length of cell cycle (time)

cytokinesis

solenoid

Histone proteins

Eukaryotic chromosomes are

made of DNA and protein

Metaphase chromosome:
This structure is only visible in
dividing cells

Uncontrolled cell division:

1.

Mitosis occurs as a result of the cells needs eg: growth repair, asexual
reproduction. (Mitosis is not always ON, only when needed.)

2.

There are check points in the cell cycle will allows the stages of mitosis
to proceed forward.

3.

In tumours, normal control of mitosis in the cell fails.

4.

Tumours are the result of uncontrolled cell division.

5.

Repeated divisions will produce a big mass of cells.

6.

Can occur on any organ and can spread to other parts of the body.

7.

Disease caused by gowth of tumours is called CANCER.

http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih1/cancer/activities/activity2_animations.htm