What is mitosis?

Mitosis is a process where a single cell divides into two identical

daughter cells (cell division). 

 During mitosis one cell? divides once to form two identical cells.

 The major purpose of mitosis is for growth and to replace worn out
cells.
 If not corrected in time, mistakes made during mitosis can result in
changes in the DNA? that can potentially lead to genetic disorders?.

Mitosis is divided into five phases:  

1. Interphase:

 The DNA in the cell is copied in preparation for cell division, this
results in two identical full sets of chromosomes?.
 Outside of the nucleus? are two centrosomes, each containing a pair of
centrioles, these structures are critical for the process of cell division.
 During interphase, microtubules extend from these centrosomes.

2. Prophase: 

 The chromosomes condense into X-shaped structures that can be

easily seen under a microscope.
 Each chromosome is composed of two sister chromatids,
containing identical genetic information.
 The chromosomes pair up so that both copies of chromosome 1 are
together, both copies of chromosome 2 are together, and so on.
 At the end of prophase the membrane around the nucleus in the
cell dissolves away releasing the chromosomes.
 The mitotic spindle, consisting of the microtubules and other
proteins, extends across the cell between the centrioles as they move to
opposite poles of the cell.
3. Metaphase:

 The chromosomes line up neatly end-to-end along the centre

(equator) of the cell.
 The centrioles are now at opposite poles of the cell with the mitotic
spindle fibres extending from them.
 The mitotic spindle fibres attach to each of the sister chromatids.

4. Anaphase:

 The sister chromatids are then pulled apart by the mitotic spindle
which pulls one chromatid to one pole and the other chromatid to the
opposite pole.

5. Telophase:

 At each pole of the cell a full set of chromosomes gather together.

 A membrane forms around each set of chromosomes to create two
new nuclei.
 The single cell then pinches in the middle to form two separate
daughter cells each containing a full set of chromosomes within a
nucleus. This process is known as cytokinesis.
 Gap 1 (G1): Cells increase in size in Gap 1, produce RNA and
synthesize protein. An important cell cycle control mechanism
activated during this period (G1 Checkpoint) ensures that everything is
ready for DNA synthesis. (Click on the Checkpoints animation, above.)
 S Phase: To produce two similar daughter cells, the complete DNA
instructions in the cell must be duplicated. DNA replication occurs
during this S (synthesis) phase.
 Gap 2 (G2): During the gap between DNA synthesis and mitosis, the
cell will continue to grow and produce new proteins. At the end of this
gap is another control checkpoint (G2 Checkpoint) to determine if the
cell can now proceed to enter M (mitosis) and divide.
 Mitosis or M Phase: Cell growth and protein production stop at this
stage in the cell cycle. All of the cell's energy is focused on the
complex and orderly division into two similar daughter cells. Mitosis is
much shorter than interphase, lasting perhaps only one to two hours.
 As in both G1 and G2, there is a Checkpoint in the middle of mitosis
(Metaphase Checkpoint) that ensures the cell is ready to complete cell
division. Actual stages of mitosis can be viewed at Animal Cell Mitosis.

 Mitosis is closely controlled by the genes inside every cell. Sometimes this control can
go wrong. If that happens in just a single cell, it can replicate itself to make new cells that
are also out of control. These are cancer cells. They continue to replicate rapidly without
the control systems that normal cells have. Cancer cells will form lumps, or tumours, that
damage the surrounding tissues. Sometimes, cancer cells break off from the original
tumour and spread in the blood to other parts of the body. When a tumour spreads to
another part of the body it is said to have metastasized. They continue to replicate and
make more tumours. These are called secondary tumours.
 Medicines that are used to treat cancer are sometimes aimed at killing cells that are
rapidly dividing by mitosis. They inhibit the synthesis or function of DNA - this type of
treatment is called chemotherapy. More modern medicines target specific cancers in
different ways. Many inhibit the growth signals for that type of cell.