Mitosis

• Mitosis is the division of

nucleus into two genetically
identical nuclei containing
the same full set of DNA.

• Daughter cells have same

number of chromosomes as
does parent cell.

• Mitosis occurs in the body

cells (somatic cells)

• Phases of Mitosis:
-Prophase
-Metaphase
-Anaphase
-Telophase
 Packing for the move…

When cell is not dividing…

● DNA molecules in extended,
uncondensed form = chromatin

● Cell can only replicate and transcribe

DNA when in extended state.

When cell is preparing for division…

DNA molecules condense to form
●
chromosomes prior to division.
– each chromosome is a single molecule of DNA

– easier to sort and organize the replicated

DNA into daughter cells

From the Virtual Cell Biology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com

 Prophase

Metaphase

Anaphase

Telophase

Cytokinesis
 1. Prophase
- Chromatin condenses into tightly
coiled chromosomes

- The individual chromosomes begin to be

very visible as threadlike structures. The
chromosomes are now packed into neat
bundles (*it would be easier to move them around during
cell division, DNA is being protected from being broken or
entangled).

- Each chromosome consist of two

identical sister chromatids.

- The nuclear envelope breaks down.(making

the chromosomes free to move around) (*Chromatin are loose complex of DNA
and protein molecules in the nucleus )

- The nucleolus also disappear

- The mitotic spindle fiber is formed

- The centrosomes and centrioles begin to
migrate to the opposite poles of the cell.

- Spindle fibers grow from the centrioles

and extend toward the center of the cell
toward the opposite poles.
 2. Metaphase

•chromosomes align along

the equator of the cell
(metaphase plate)

The spindle fiber attached to the

kinetochore of the sister chromatids
facilitates the movement of chromosomes
toward the middle of the cell.
 3. Anaphase
• sister chromatids separate
from each other

• spindle fibers attached to

kinetochores shorten and
pull the sister chromatids away
from each other toward the
opposite poles of the cell.

• free spindle fibers lengthen

and push poles of cell apart
(making the cell elongated under the
microscope)
 4. Telophase
•The two complete sets of identical
chromosomes are now positioned at
each pole of the cell.

•spindle fibers disintegrate, since

they are no longer needed.

•New nuclear envelope forms,

enclosing each set of chromosomes.
•Chromosomes uncoil back into
chromatin. (allowing the DNA to be
accessible again)

•The nucleoli reappear, and the cell

continues to elongate.
 Cytokinesis
The cytoplasm splits into two cells and completes
the entire stage of the cell cycle.
 Cytokinesis – Plant vs. Animal Cell

▪ Animal cells undergo

cytokinesis through the
formation of a cleavage
furrow. A ring of
microtubules contract,
pinching the cell in half.

▪ Plant cells undergo

cytokinesis by forming a cell
plate between the two
daughter nuclei.

Images: Telophase drawing, Henry Gray's Anatomy of the Human Body;

Ciliate dividing, TheAlphaWolf; Telophase Onion Cell Photo, Source Unknown From the Virtual Cell Biology Classroom on ScienceProfOnline.com
ACTIVITY 2.2.1
ACTIVITY 2.2.2
ACTIVITY 2.2.3 (QUIZ)
ACTIVITY 2.2.4