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23 Dec 2025
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Understanding Mitosis: The Process of Cell Division
Ruby Rowley
@rubyrowley
1 / 3
Understanding Mitosis and Chromosome Structure
Mitosis is basically nuclear division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells. Think of it as nature's photocopying machine - everything gets duplicated perfectly! While mitosis flows continuously, scientists break it down into four main stages to make it easier to understand: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase (remember P.MAT!).
Chromosomes are only visible during cell division, which is pretty cool when you think about it. After DNA replication, each chromosome consists of two chromatids joined at a point called the centromere. These chromatids carry identical genetic information - they're like perfect twins attached at the hip.
During interphase (the cell's "normal" time), DNA combines with special proteins called histones to form chromatin. Before replication in G1 phase, each chromosome has one chromatid, but after replication in G2 phase, it has two identical chromatids ready for division.
Quick Tip: Remember that chromatids are identical copies - this ensures each new cell gets exactly the same genetic instructions!
Prophase and Metaphase: Setting the Stage
Early prophase kicks off when chromatin coils up and condenses to form visible chromosomes. The nucleolus starts disappearing, and the nuclear envelope breaks down - basically, the cell's control centre gets dismantled to make room for division.
Late prophase sees some serious cellular machinery in action. Centrioles migrate to opposite poles of the cell and start producing protein microtubules that form spindle fibres. These fibres attach to chromosome centromeres and begin moving chromosomes toward the cell's centre - it's like a microscopic tug-of-war!
Metaphase is when chromosomes line up perfectly along the cell's equator, forming what's called the metaphase plate. Think "metaphase = meet in the middle" - all chromosomes gather at the cell's centre, ready for the big split.
Memory Trick: Metaphase chromosomes line up like students queuing for lunch - all in a neat line down the middle!
Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis: The Final Split
Anaphase is where the real action happens! Spindle fibres contract and shorten, causing centromeres to divide and sister chromatids to separate. Each chromatid gets pulled to opposite poles of the cell, forming characteristic 'V' shapes. This ensures each half of the cell receives one chromatid from every chromosome.
Telophase essentially reverses prophase - chromatids reach the spindle poles and begin to uncoil, becoming less distinct. Nuclear envelopes start reforming around each set of chromosomes, creating two separate nuclei within one cell.
Cytokinesis isn't technically part of mitosis, but it completes cell division by physically splitting the cytoplasm. In animal cells, the cytoskeleton constricts from the edges, pulling the cell membrane inward like a drawstring bag. Plant cells do things differently - vesicles fuse together to form new membranes, with cell wall sections forming around them.
Key Point: After cytokinesis, you've got two completely separate, identical cells ready to start the cycle all over again!
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Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Mitosis: The Process of Cell Division
Ruby Rowley
@rubyrowley
Ever wondered how your body creates billions of new cells to help you grow and repair injuries? Mitosis is the incredible process that makes this possible, dividing one cell into two identical copies with exactly the same genetic information.
Understanding Mitosis and Chromosome Structure
Mitosis is basically nuclear division that produces two genetically identical daughter cells. Think of it as nature's photocopying machine - everything gets duplicated perfectly! While mitosis flows continuously, scientists break it down into four main stages to make it easier to understand: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase (remember P.MAT!).
Chromosomes are only visible during cell division, which is pretty cool when you think about it. After DNA replication, each chromosome consists of two chromatids joined at a point called the centromere. These chromatids carry identical genetic information - they're like perfect twins attached at the hip.
During interphase (the cell's "normal" time), DNA combines with special proteins called histones to form chromatin. Before replication in G1 phase, each chromosome has one chromatid, but after replication in G2 phase, it has two identical chromatids ready for division.
Quick Tip: Remember that chromatids are identical copies - this ensures each new cell gets exactly the same genetic instructions!
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Prophase and Metaphase: Setting the Stage
Early prophase kicks off when chromatin coils up and condenses to form visible chromosomes. The nucleolus starts disappearing, and the nuclear envelope breaks down - basically, the cell's control centre gets dismantled to make room for division.
Late prophase sees some serious cellular machinery in action. Centrioles migrate to opposite poles of the cell and start producing protein microtubules that form spindle fibres. These fibres attach to chromosome centromeres and begin moving chromosomes toward the cell's centre - it's like a microscopic tug-of-war!
Metaphase is when chromosomes line up perfectly along the cell's equator, forming what's called the metaphase plate. Think "metaphase = meet in the middle" - all chromosomes gather at the cell's centre, ready for the big split.
Memory Trick: Metaphase chromosomes line up like students queuing for lunch - all in a neat line down the middle!
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Anaphase, Telophase, and Cytokinesis: The Final Split
Anaphase is where the real action happens! Spindle fibres contract and shorten, causing centromeres to divide and sister chromatids to separate. Each chromatid gets pulled to opposite poles of the cell, forming characteristic 'V' shapes. This ensures each half of the cell receives one chromatid from every chromosome.
Telophase essentially reverses prophase - chromatids reach the spindle poles and begin to uncoil, becoming less distinct. Nuclear envelopes start reforming around each set of chromosomes, creating two separate nuclei within one cell.
Cytokinesis isn't technically part of mitosis, but it completes cell division by physically splitting the cytoplasm. In animal cells, the cytoskeleton constricts from the edges, pulling the cell membrane inward like a drawstring bag. Plant cells do things differently - vesicles fuse together to form new membranes, with cell wall sections forming around them.
Key Point: After cytokinesis, you've got two completely separate, identical cells ready to start the cycle all over again!
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content: Telophase
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
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4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user