Mitosis is the process of cell division in which a single cell replicates its chromosomes and divides them into two identical nuclei, resulting in two genetically identical daughter cells. This process occurs in all living organisms, including aquatic plants and algae, and is essential for growth, development, tissue repair, and the replacement of worn-out cells.
Mitosis is divided into four key stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. Here, we will explore mitosis in detail, covering its stages, functions, and providing a well-labelled diagram to illustrate the process.
What is Mitosis?
Mitosis is the process of cell division in which a single cell splits into two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.
- The process results in the formation of two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
- It contrasts with meiosis, another type of cell division that produces gametes (sperm and egg cells) with half the chromosome number for sexual reproduction.
- Mitosis succeeds the G2 phase and is followed by cytokinesis where the cytoplasm divides after the separation of the nucleus. .
- Mitosis forms the basis of sexual reproduction and is important for the growth and development of the embryo.
Stages of Mitosis
During mitosis two identical daughter cell are produced from one cell. It maintains an equal number of chromosome in each daughter cell after division. It consists of five different stages:
- Prophase
- Prometaphase
- Metaphase
- Anaphase
- Telophase
Interphase
Before the cycle of mitosis starts the cell remains in the interphase stage. In interphase the cell prepare itself for the cell division. Duration of the interphase is around 90% of the total cell cycle. During this phase, DNA replicates and the cell grows. Interphase has three further phases:
- G1 Phase: The cell undergoes growth
- S Phase: The DNA of the cell replicates.
- G2 Phase: The cell continues to grow and prepare for cell division
The various stages of mitosis that occur during cell division are as follows:
1. Prophase
It is the first and longest phase of mitosis. It is characterised by the condensation of nuclear genetic material.
- The chromatin, which consists of DNA and protein molecules, condenses into visible chromosomes.
- The nuclear membrane and nucleolus begin to disappear.
- The centrioles duplicate and move to opposite poles of the cell.
- Spindle fibers start to form, extending from the centrosomes to help in chromosome movement
It is a transitional phase between prophase and metaphase. The cell prepares for the alignment and separation of chromosomes.
- Nuclear envelope breakdown completely into numerous membrane vesicles.
- Chromosomes present inside form protein structures called kinetochores.
- Microtubules attach to the kinetochore part of chromosomes facing the opposite mitotic poles.
- It ensures equal separation and distribution to the dividing daughter cells.
The term metaphase is a Ancient Greek word where meta means " beyond" "above" "transcending" and "phásis" means "appearance". The stage is characterised by chromosomes become aligned at the metaphase plate or equatorial plane of the cell.
- At this stage chromosome are at the second most condensed and coiled stage.
- The spindle fibers attach to the centromeres of chromosomes.
- It ensures proper alignment for proper distribution of genetic material during the succeeding stages.
- It takes 4% of the cell cycle duration.
4. Anaphase
The term anaphase is derived from ancient Greek word 'ana' meaning "back or backward" and phásis means appearance. Anaphase is characterised by chromosome separating or moving towards opposite poles of the cell.
- Kinetochore microtubules shorten.
- Chromosome reach their maximum condensation during late anaphase.
- It help in chromosome segregation and nucleus reformation.
- Homologous chromosomes move towards opposite spindle poles.
- Non-kinetochore microtubules lengthen.
- Centrosomes are pushed far apart and cell elongates.
- Ensures each daughter cell gets an identical set of chromosomes.
5. Telophase
The term is telophase is derived from Ancient Greek word "telos" meaning " end, result or completion" and phásis means appearance. In this phase the chromosome have arrived at the opposite poles and nuclear envelope reforms.
- Chromosome condensation starts and unwind back into chromatin.
- Nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes
- Spindle starts disappearing
- Nucleus forms around each set of daughter chromosomes
- It takes around 2% of the cell cycle time.
- After telophase, the cytokinesis process occurs, resulting in the formation of 2-4 daughter cells.
Functions of Mitosis
The functions of mitosis include:
- Mitosis allows the growth and development of an organism. For example, the zygote divides to form genetically identical daughter cells through the process of mitosis.
- Mitosis repairs cells during wound healing.
- It replaces or regenerate damaged cells in the body.
- Mitosis is a type of asexual reproduction.
- It ensures each cell receives an identical set of chromosomes, maintaining genetic stability.
- Provides continuity of genetic information from one generation of cells to the next.
Significance of Mitosis
- Mitosis is essential for growth, allowing organisms to develop from a single cell into a complex multicellular organism.
- It helps in tissue repair by replacing damaged or dead cells, ensuring the body can heal and maintain proper function.
- Mitosis plays a key role in asexual reproduction, enabling organisms like bacteria, plants, and some animals to reproduce without the need for a mate.
- It ensures genetic consistency by producing two daughter cells with identical DNA to the parent cell, maintaining the stability of genetic information.
- Mitosis allows organisms to replace worn-out cells, such as skin cells, red blood cells, and cells in the digestive system, keeping the body functioning smoothly.
- It is important for maintaining the correct chromosome number across generations of cells, preventing genetic disorders.
Conclusion
Mitosis is the process of cell division in which one cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each containing the same number and type of chromosomes as the parent cell. This process is vital for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in multicellular organisms.
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