The Three Stages Explained
Interphase is where cells spend about 90% of their time - it's like the preparation phase before the big event. During G1 phase, the cell grows bigger and makes more organelles like mitochondria and ribosomes. Then comes the Synthesis phase, where something incredible happens - the DNA copies itself, doubling the chromosome count to 92! Finally, G2 phase sees the cell grow even more and create all the molecules needed for division.
Mitosis has four parts you can remember with PMAT. In Prophase, chromosomes shorten and thicken up. Metaphase sees them line up perfectly in the cell's middle while spindle fibres attach. During Anaphase, these fibres pull the chromosome parts to opposite ends. Telophase wraps things up by forming two new nuclei.
Cytokinesis is the final physical split - imagine the cell membrane pinching inwards at the middle until it completely separates. You now have two brand new, identical cells ready to start their own cycles!
Top Tip: Remember PMAT for mitosis phases - Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase!