Mitosis: A Comprehensive Guide to Cell Division
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Lucy Annis Hodsgon
06/10/2025
Biology
Mitosis - A-Level
110
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6 Oct 2025
•
Mitosis and Meiosis for A Level Biology - Study Notes and Diagrams
Lucy Annis Hodsgon
@ucynnisodsgon_bohs
Mitosis: Stages and Chromosome Replication
Mitosis A Level Biology is a fundamental concept that explains how cells divide to produce genetically identical daughter cells. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms.
Definition: Mitosis is the process of nuclear division resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
The stages of mitosis are as follows:
- Interphase: This is the preparatory phase where the cell grows and replicates its DNA.
Highlight: During interphase, chromosome replication steps in mitosis pdf show that DNA is duplicated, preparing the cell for division.
- Early Prophase: Chromosomes become more distinct as they coil up, becoming shorter and thicker. They take up staining more intensely.
Vocabulary: Chromatid - one of the two identical copies of a chromosome formed during DNA replication.
- Late Prophase: Chromosomes are fully distinct, with two chromatids joined at the centromere. The nuclear envelope disintegrates, and the nucleolus disappears.
Example: In animal cells, centrioles migrate to opposite poles of the cell during late prophase.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate.
Highlight: The question "during which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids move apart?" is often asked in AQA A Level Biology mitosis exam questions. The answer is not metaphase, but the next stage - anaphase.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
Vocabulary: Centromere - the region of a chromosome that joins sister chromatids and attaches to spindle fibers during cell division.
-
Telophase: Chromatids reach the poles, uncoil, and become less distinct. The nuclear envelope reforms around the new sets of chromosomes.
-
Cytokinesis: The final stage where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
Example: In plant cells, a new cell wall is laid down during cytokinesis, while in animal cells, the cell membrane pinches inward to separate the two daughter cells.
The Mitosis A Level Biology diagram typically illustrates these stages, showing the progression from a single cell with duplicated chromosomes to two identical daughter cells.
Highlight: It's important to note that chromosomes are replicated in what phase of mitosis is a trick question - replication actually occurs during interphase, before mitosis begins.
Understanding the intricacies of mitosis is crucial for Mitosis A Level Biology Edexcel and other exam boards. Students should be able to describe each stage in detail and understand the differences between mitosis in plant and animal cells.
Quote: "Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell."
This comprehensive overview of mitosis provides a solid foundation for A level Biology students studying cell division. Remember to review Meiosis A Level Biology as well, as it's often compared and contrasted with mitosis in exams.
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
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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
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.
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
Mitosis and Meiosis for A Level Biology - Study Notes and Diagrams
Lucy Annis Hodsgon
@ucynnisodsgon_bohs
Mitosis: A Comprehensive Guide to Cell Division
Mitosis is the process of nuclear division resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells. This process is crucial for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms. The mitosis process a level... Show more
Mitosis: Stages and Chromosome Replication
Mitosis A Level Biology is a fundamental concept that explains how cells divide to produce genetically identical daughter cells. This process is essential for growth, repair, and asexual reproduction in organisms.
Definition: Mitosis is the process of nuclear division resulting in the formation of two identical daughter cells containing the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell.
The stages of mitosis are as follows:
- Interphase: This is the preparatory phase where the cell grows and replicates its DNA.
Highlight: During interphase, chromosome replication steps in mitosis pdf show that DNA is duplicated, preparing the cell for division.
- Early Prophase: Chromosomes become more distinct as they coil up, becoming shorter and thicker. They take up staining more intensely.
Vocabulary: Chromatid - one of the two identical copies of a chromosome formed during DNA replication.
- Late Prophase: Chromosomes are fully distinct, with two chromatids joined at the centromere. The nuclear envelope disintegrates, and the nucleolus disappears.
Example: In animal cells, centrioles migrate to opposite poles of the cell during late prophase.
- Metaphase: Chromosomes align at the cell's equator, forming the metaphase plate.
Highlight: The question "during which phase of mitosis do the sister chromatids move apart?" is often asked in AQA A Level Biology mitosis exam questions. The answer is not metaphase, but the next stage - anaphase.
- Anaphase: Sister chromatids separate and are pulled to opposite poles of the cell.
Vocabulary: Centromere - the region of a chromosome that joins sister chromatids and attaches to spindle fibers during cell division.
-
Telophase: Chromatids reach the poles, uncoil, and become less distinct. The nuclear envelope reforms around the new sets of chromosomes.
-
Cytokinesis: The final stage where the cytoplasm divides, resulting in two separate daughter cells.
Example: In plant cells, a new cell wall is laid down during cytokinesis, while in animal cells, the cell membrane pinches inward to separate the two daughter cells.
The Mitosis A Level Biology diagram typically illustrates these stages, showing the progression from a single cell with duplicated chromosomes to two identical daughter cells.
Highlight: It's important to note that chromosomes are replicated in what phase of mitosis is a trick question - replication actually occurs during interphase, before mitosis begins.
Understanding the intricacies of mitosis is crucial for Mitosis A Level Biology Edexcel and other exam boards. Students should be able to describe each stage in detail and understand the differences between mitosis in plant and animal cells.
Quote: "Mitosis results in two genetically identical daughter cells, each with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell."
This comprehensive overview of mitosis provides a solid foundation for A level Biology students studying cell division. Remember to review Meiosis A Level Biology as well, as it's often compared and contrasted with mitosis in exams.
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?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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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.
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