Mitosis: The Cell Division Powerhouse
Mitosis is your body's way of creating new cells for growth and fixing damaged tissue. Think of it as nature's photocopier - one parent cell divides to produce two genetically identical diploid daughter cells. These new cells contain exactly the same DNA as the original, making them perfect replacements.
Before mitosis kicks off, the cell needs to get prepared. The DNA replicates itself (making a complete copy) and new subcellular structures are built. It's like gathering all the materials before starting a building project.
The actual division happens in four main stages: prophase, metaphase, anaphase, and telophase. During prophase, chromosomes condense and become visible whilst the nuclear membrane disappears. Metaphase sees all chromosomes line up perfectly in the cell's centre.
In anaphase, spindle fibres pull the chromosomes apart to opposite ends of the cell. Finally, telophase forms new nuclear membranes around the DNA, and cytokinesis creates the cell membranes that separate the two new daughter cells.
Quick Tip: Remember the stages with "PMAT" - Prophase, Metaphase, Anaphase, Telophase!