Why Do CellsDivide?

  • Reproduction
  • Growth
  • Repair

1) Interphase (longest part of the cell cycle)

  • G1 (Growth1)
  • S (Synthesis)- DNA copies
  • G2 (Growth

2) – cell prepares for division

 

Mitosis

– nuclear division, number of chromosomes remains the same

Lets Break It Down

Interphase

(technically not part

of mitosis, but it is included in the cell cycle)

Cell is in a resting

phase, performing cell functions

DNA replicates (copies)

Organelles double in

number, to prepare for division
Prophase

Spindle forms

Centrioles move to opposite

poles

Chromosomes become visible
Metaphase

Chromosomes line up along

the equator
Anaphase

Centromeres divide

Chromatids separate and

move to opposite poles
Telophase

Nuclear membrane forms

around each group of chromosomes

Chromosomes unwind

Cytokinesis begins

Cytokinesis

The process by which the cytoplasm

divides and one cell becomes two individual cells. The process is different

in plants and animals

Animals – cell pinches inward

http://../resources/cyto_animal.swf

Plants – a new cell wall forms

between the two new cells