Mi·to·sis
/mīˈtōsəs/
Noun
Definition:
A type of cell division that results in two daughter cells each having the same number and kind of chromosomes as the parent nucleus, typical of ordinary tissue growth.
The first step actually starts BEFORE mitosis. It is called interphase (G2) The G2 is the second part of growth in some cells. After G1 and the S (Synthesis) phases, the cell will enter G2, and then mitosis. During interphase, the DNA and centrosomes are duplicated.
The first ACTUAL step of mitosis is the prophase. During the prophase, the chromosomes start to condense, or get smaller. Miotic needles, which will help the cell divide later, start to form in this phase. By now, one chromosome has identical twin DNAs (sister chromatids).
After prophase comes the prometaphase. The nuclear envelope or encasing fragments and explodes. Microtubules attach themselves to the chromosomes that are now free from the nucleus.
The next part is the metaphase. There is an invisible line, called the metaphase plate, that is kind of like the equator of a cell. All of the chromosomes line up along the metaphase plate. This forms a straight line of chromosomes. The metaphase plate is one of the straightest things in nature.
Second to last is the anaphase. The sister chromatids are separated. Each sister chromatid is going to end up becoming it’s own cell in the next step, telophase and cytokinesis.
Lastly, telophase and cytokinesis. Each of the separated sister chromatids will make up their own nuclei. The cell itself divides, creating two cells. Cleavage furrow forms in animal cells, and new cell walls form in plant cells. The microtubules divide equally between both cells, and the DNA unwraps, becoming no longer visible under a microscope.
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