Phases of Mitosis
- 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)
- Significance of mitosis: mitosis occurs whenever the production of genetically identical nuclei are required in eukaryotic cells
- E.g. during embryonic development, growth, tissue repair and asexual reproduction
Phases of Mitosis
- Although mitosis is, in reality, one continuous process, it can be divided into four main stages or phases
- 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
- The nucleolus disappears
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
- This attachment involves specific proteins called kinetochores
- 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
- New nucleoli form within each nucleus
Telophase
Examiner Tip
Make sure you learn the four stages of mitosis and what is happening to the DNA molecules (one chromatid contains one DNA molecule) at each stage – learn ‘PMAT’ (prophase, metaphase, anaphase, telophase) to help you remember the order of the stages!