Unit 2A

Human Form & Function

Cells, metabolism & regulation

Mitosis
 Further information
• Further information about
this topic can be found in
Our Human Species
(3rd edtn)

Chapter 3, Section 4
 Mitosis
• Mitosis is a process of nuclear
division that forms two
daughter cells with identical
sets of chromosomes (the
diploid chromosome number).
 Mitosis

Mitosis is a form of nuclear

division.

ALL somatic (non-reproductive

cells) are formed by mitosis.

Each cell produces TWO

daughter cells.
Daughter cells contain the
SAME number of chromosomes
as the original cell (the diploid or
2n chromosome number).
In this way every cell obtains a
complete set of genetic
information.
Plant cells undergoing mitosis
The stages of mitosis

• Prophase
• Metaphase
• Anaphase
• Telophase
The stages of mitosis
Prophase Metaphase Anaphase Telophase
 Human chromosomes at three
stages of mitosis

Human chromosomes (blue) at three stages of mitosis.

Metaphase on the left, anaphase in the centre and
telophase on the right. Centromeres are stained green
and the spindle red.
Wellcome Images - Laura Trinle-Mulcahy
 Prophase
• Prophase is the first
stage of mitosis.

During this stage:

– Chromosomes
condense
– Nuclear membrane
breaks down
– Centrioles migrate to
the poles of the cell
– Spindle forms. Wellcome Images - Matthew Daniels
The spindle apparatus
 Mitotic spindle in a kidney cell
• The mitotic
spindle of a
dividing kidney
cell has been
stained green to
show spindle
fibres.

Wellcome Images MRC NIMR

 Metaphase
• During metaphase
the condensed
chromosomes
move to the
middle of the cell
(the equator) and
become attached
to the spindle
fibres.
Wellcome Images - Matthew Daniels
 Anaphase

• During anaphase
the sister
chromatids
separate and are
dragged to
opposite poles of
the cell. New York State Department of Health
 Telophase
• Telophase is the final
stage in mitosis and is the
opposite of prophase.
During telophase:
– the two sets of
chromosomes uncoil
– the nuclear envelopes
reform
– the spindle fibres
disappear.

Wellcome Images - Matthew Daniels

 The cell cycle
• Mitosis is part of the cell cycle,
which is the sequence of
stages that a cell passes
through between one division
and the next.
• The cell cycle consists of
mitosis and interphase.
The cell cycle
 Cytokinesis

• Cytokinesis is the division of the

cytoplasm of a cell following division of
the nucleus.
Wellcome Images - Matthew Daniels
 Interphase

• Interphase is the stage in the cell

cycle when the cell is not dividing.
• Interphase occupies most of the cell
cycle and no internal changes are
visible. However, during this phase :
– DNA replication occurs
– The cell grows
– New proteins are synthesised
– Cell organelles are replaced.
Human cell in interphase

Wellcome Images - Matthew Daniels

 Interphase

During interphase,
DNA replication takes
place
 Study Guide

Read:
• Our Human Species
Chapter 3, Section 4
Complete:
• Workbook
Topic 5, Mitosis