 Rod shaped structure

• Made of a single DNA molecule and

proteins called histones
– Histones maintain shape of chromosomes
– Aids in tight packing of DNA
• Seen during cell division
• Coiled and compact
 double-stranded
DNA molecule

DNA and Chromosomes

Interphase- 75% of cell life cycle
G1: rapid growth
S: DNA replicates; centrioles
replicate.
G2: cell prepares for cell division;
microtubular structures form.
Cell Division
Mitosis: cell divides its nuclear
components (chromosomes).
Cytokinesis: cell divides its
cytoplasmic components.
Prophase
Metaphase
Anaphase
Telophase
centrioles
chromatin

plasma
membrane

nucleolus
nuclear
envelope
 Chromosomes shorten and become
visible (early prophase)
 Chromosomes made up of 2 identical
chromatin threads called chromatids
 Centrioles migrate toward opposite pole
pulled by kinetochore
 Nuclear envelope disintegrates (late
prophase).
 chromosome
centrioles

aster
centromere
 polar fiber aster
fragmenting
nuclear
envelope

chromosomal
fiber
 centrioles

nucleus
 Chromosomes lined up in the
middle
 Mitotic spindle complete.
metaphase plate

spindle
chromosomal polar fibers
fibers

sister chromatids
Chromosome at Metaphase
 Sister chromatids (= identical strands of
DNA) split from each other to form divided
identical chromosomes.
 Kinetochore fibers shorten and pull divided
identical chromosomes to opposite sides of
the dividing cell.
 Polar microtubules slide past each other,
lengthening and pushing the cell apart
daughter
chromosomes
 Divided chromosomes reach opposite
sides of cell and begin to disperse as
chromatin.
 Nuclear envelopes reforms around
separated collections of chromosomes to
form two nuclei.
 Cytokinesis- completion of cell division
 Spindle apparatus disintegrates.
 Cytokinesis usually begins near the
end of telophase.
 Separation of cytoplasmic
components to yield two daughter
cells
 Microfilaments form a contracting
ring that pinches the plasma
membrane inward between the
forming daughter cells
cleavage furrow