Mitosis: Definition, Stages, and Importance

Overview

Mitosis is a biological process where a single cell divides to produce two genetically identical daughter cells. It involves the duplication and equal distribution of chromosomes.
Mitosis is crucial for cell growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in single-celled organisms.
The term can also be referred to as karyokinesis.

Prophase
- Chromosomes condense and become visible.
- Nucleolus shrinks and disappears.
- Formation of spindle fibers begins as the nuclear membrane disintegrates.
Metaphase
- Chromosomes align at the cell's equatorial plane.
- Each chromosome is connected to spindle fibers at its centromere.
Anaphase
- Chromatid pairs separate into individual chromosomes.
- Chromosomes move to opposite poles of the cell.
Telophase
- Chromosomes begin to decondense.
- Nuclear membranes and nucleoli reform.
- Spindle fibers break down.
- Cytoplasm divides (cytokinesis) forming two daughter cells.

Growth and Development: Provides new cells for growth.
Tissue Repair: Replaces worn-out or damaged cells.
Reproduction in Single-celled Organisms: Acts as a mode of asexual reproduction.

Mitosis results in two genetically identical cells, whereas meiosis results in four genetically diverse gametes.
Mitosis is a means of asexual reproduction, while meiosis is necessary for sexual reproduction.

Chromosomes: Structures within the cell that contain DNA.
Centromere: Region where two chromatids are joined during early stages of cell division.
Chromatids: Each of the two thread-like strands into which a chromosome divides.
Cytokinesis: Division of the cytoplasm, occurring after mitosis.

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This information was compiled and fact-checked by the Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica.