Mitotic phase

Mitotic Phase

The Mitotic Phase is a stage in the cell cycle where a cell divides into two identical daughter cells. This phase is a critical part of the cell cycle, which is the process by which cells grow and reproduce. The mitotic phase is composed of two distinct stages: mitosis and cytokinesis.

Mitosis

Mitosis is the process by which the chromosomes in a cell's nucleus are separated into two identical sets, each in its own nucleus. It is a form of nuclear division. Mitosis is further divided into five stages: prophase, prometaphase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase.

Prophase

During prophase, the chromosomes condense and become visible. The nuclear envelope breaks down and the mitotic spindle, a structure made of microtubules, begins to form.

Prometaphase

In prometaphase, the nuclear envelope is completely broken down, and the chromosomes are free in the cytoplasm. The mitotic spindle fibers attach to the chromosomes at the kinetochores, structures on the centromeres of the chromosomes.

Metaphase

During metaphase, the chromosomes align at the metaphase plate, an imaginary line equidistant from the two spindle poles. The kinetochores of each chromosome are attached to spindle fibers from opposite poles.

Anaphase

In anaphase, the sister chromatids separate and move towards opposite poles of the cell. The cell elongates due to lengthening of the microtubules.

Telophase

During telophase, a new nuclear envelope forms around each set of chromosomes. The chromosomes decondense and the mitotic spindle breaks down.

Cytokinesis

Cytokinesis is the process by which the cytoplasm of the original cell forms two new daughter cells. It usually begins during late anaphase or early telophase, and overlaps with the final stages of mitosis.

Significance

The mitotic phase is crucial for growth, repair, and reproduction in organisms. Errors in mitosis can lead to mutations and cancer.

See also

• Cell cycle
• Mitosis
• Cytokinesis
• Chromosome
• Nuclear division