The Stages of Mitosis (AQA A Level Biology)

Mitosis: The Stages

• Mitosis is the process of nuclear division by which two genetically identical daughter nuclei are produced that are also genetically identical to the parent cell nucleus (they have the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell)

• Although mitosis is, in reality, one continuous process, it can be divided into four main stages

• These stages are:

  • Prophase

  • Metaphase

  • Anaphase

  • Telophase

• Most organisms contain many chromosomes in the nuclei of their cells (eg. humans have 46) but the diagrams below show mitosis of an animal cell with only four chromosomes, for simplicity

• The different colours of the chromosomes are just to show that half are from the female parent and half from the male parent

Prophase

• Chromosomes condense and are now visible when stained

• The chromosomes consist of two identical chromatids called sister chromatids (each containing one DNA molecule) that are joined together at the centromere

• The two centrosomes (replicated in the G₂ phase just before prophase) move towards opposite poles (opposite ends of the nucleus)

• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) begin to emerge from the centrosomes (consists of two centrioles in animal cells)

• The nuclear envelope (nuclear membrane) breaks down into small vesicles

Prophase

Metaphase

• Centrosomes reach opposite poles

• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) continue to extend from centrosomes

• Chromosomes line up at the equator of the spindle (also known as the metaphase plate) so they are equidistant to the two centrosome poles

• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) reach the chromosomes and attach to the centromeres

• Each sister chromatid is attached to a spindle fibre originating from opposite poles

Metaphase

Anaphase

• The sister chromatids separate at the centromere (the centromere divides in two)

• Spindle fibres (protein microtubules) begin to shorten

• The separated sister chromatids (now called chromosomes) are pulled to opposite poles by the spindle fibres (protein microtubules)

Anaphase

Telophase

• Chromosomes arrive at opposite poles and begin to decondense

• Nuclear envelopes (nuclear membranes) begin to reform around each set of chromosomes

• The spindle fibres break down

Telophase