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This process of cellular division is unique to eukaryotic cells. The following illustrations
depict only the replication of chromosomes and their division. Keep in mind that the process
of mitosis involves the entire cell which includes a multitude of organelles. |
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Interphase |
Time between divisions
Protein synthesis carried out
Chromatin present
Nucleolus present
DNA replicated towards division time |
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Prophase |
Chromatin thickens into chromosomes
Nuclear membrane disintegrates
Centriole pairs move to opposite ends of the cell
Spindle fibers begin to form |
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Metaphase |
Guided by the spindle fibers, the chromosome pairs
line up along the center of the spindle structure |
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Anaphase |
The chromosome pairs (sisters) begin to pull apart
Once separated, they are called daughter chromosomes
Due to pull, many chromosomes bend
Groove in plasma membrane present |
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Telophase |
Chromosomes return to chromatin
Spindle disintegrates
Nuclear membrane takes shape again
Centrioles replicate
Membrane continues to pinch inward
(in plant cells a new cell wall is laid) |
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When the process is complete, each cell will have the same genetic material that
the original cell had before replication. Each of the daughter cells is also
identical to each other. Note that once telophase is complete, the cell returns
to interphase. |
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